#may or may not have quoted this out loud to one of my friends today followed by me laughing my ass off

[spacewreck51]

you know what the sun looks like? like he slit his wrists in a bathtub and the blood is all over the water. and the moon is just watching. shes watching him die. she must have driven him to it.

[holdmytesseract]

moodboard by @mochie85 divider by @fictive-sl0th <3

Summary: It's been a long time coming... But now the day for you and Loki to say 'Yes' and enter the bond of marriage has finally arrived. A covenant for eternity.

Chapter One - Of Cakes and Dances

Warnings for this Chapter: fluff, bit of suggestive smut

Word Count: 2,6k

a/n: We officially start our road to the wedding, guys! 🥳 In this chapter we have some cake tasting and dancing. Enjoy! 🤗

A huge shoutout goes out in this chapter to @chennqingg ! She crafted the beautiful wedding invitation! Thank you so, so much, my friend! 💚

💍 Chapter Zero °☆• Chapter Two 💍

Baby Fever Masterlist °☆• A Covenant for Eternity Masterlist (coming soon!)

A rather loud knock against the main door of Loki's (and now as well yours) apartment echoed through the hallway and rooms; even reaching you in the bathroom.

Not that this was a problem so 'early' in the morning - well, not usually, but today was Saturday and both you and Loki had your 'day off'. Given that fact, your fiancé was still sound asleep and you, well... You had just stepped out of the shower mere minutes ago.

"Gimme one minute, pwease!" You called out of the door frame; tooth brush in mouth.

After quickly getting dressed and at least halfway ready, you jogged towards the door; opening it slightly out of breath.

"Morning, babes!"

Natasha was standing in front of it; big smile on her face and a small sized parcel in her hand.

She immediately noticed your laboured breath and flushed face, of course - and Nat being Nat, she couldn't let this just pass.

"Had to dismount your princely stud first?" Your best friend asked boldy; throwing you a dirty smile and wink.

You blinked.

"What? I- No! Nat!" Once your brain had caught up you immediately 'defended' yourself; gently slapping her shoulder while laughing. "You and your dirty mind! Geez, I was just having a shower and about to get ready for the day. You were the one interrupting me and forcing me to hurry, babes! Besides is my..." You lifted your hands to draw quotation marks into the air, in order to quote Nat. "... princely stud still asleep."

The widow had done nothing but smirk and giggle while you had explained 'the situation'.

Now she shrugged her shoulders. "We both know it could've been both." "Oh shut up!" You giggled and then proceeded to hug her. Only halfway unfortunately, because the little parcel was kind of in the way.

"What have you got here?" You asked then; nodding at said rectangular carton box. "The reason why I am here." Your best friend smiled. "I was just returning from a run, when the postman delivered this for you - and I may have a guess what it is..."

The gears in your head were turning, until realisation hit you; eyes widening.

"The wedding invitations!" Natasha nodded. "Yup! I mean, it's about time they arrive. We've only got three months left..."

Three months... Three... Natasha was right. Only 85 days left until you were going to marry the love of your life.

"By the Norns... How did the year go by so quick? I could swear Loki just proposed to me and now we are already getting married?" Your best friend giggled, "Well, like I already said... It was about time for Loki to get that ring." and handed you the parcel. "If you need help with these... You know where to find me." The widow gave you a wink, then turned to leave. "I'll see you!"

You smiled. "Bye! And thanks, babes!"

Later that Saturday - after you finished your business in the bathroom and Loki had made it to leave the bed as well, the both of you took a look inside the parcel together. Until now, you had just seen a rough blueprint of the invitations and not the originals. Excitedly, you opened up the package - and couldn't believe your eyes. They were absolutely stunning. Beyond your expectations. "Baby, look at that..." You carefully took one in your hands. Loki just chuckled, "I am looking, darling." and leaned over to press a kiss against your temple. "I love them!" You stated; eyes still clued to the green and golden card.

The god nodded approvingly. "Indeed. They are beautifully crafted. More than fit for an invitation to a royal wedding."

You giggled. "Yeah? Are they fulfilling the princely expectations?" Loki gently squeezed your side. "Of course, love." "Shall we send them out then? It's time, isn't it?" He smiled at you; blue eyes shining with love and anticipation. "I'd be more than happy to do so."

You and Loki spent the rest of the day with folding the invitations, putting them inside an envelope, labelled said envelopes and of course send them out. Some of them were handed over personally and some reached their receiver with a little help of seidr.

Sending out invitations wasn't the only thing you and Loki had to still 'get done' for the wedding. Oh no... Two big things were still scribbled on the 'to-do' list - of which one was to practise your wedding dance.

You and Loki had already chosen the songs and a 'choreography' was made. The only thing what you still had to do now, was practising. Your soon-to-be husband hadn't really a problem - given the fact that he was a prince. He learned how to dance in his youth.

As for you... Well... You struggled a little bit, but you were confident. Plus, you had the best teacher...

"No, my love," the god spoke through the music with a chuckle; shaking his head. A snap of his finger later, the song stopped. "You..." He adjusted your arm around his shoulder gently. "...have to keep your arm like that. Unless I won't be able to lift you properly." You sighed. "Sorry, babe. Asgardian dancing isn't my cup of tea, I'm afraid." Once more Loki shook his head; the man bun keeping his curls from tickling your arm. "No, don't say that. You never danced like this before - of course you need more time and practice." "Yeah, but... We already practised this about ten times..."

Loki chuckled. "Yes and you're doing wonderfully. Do you wish to know how long it took me to learn all this?" You just nodded. "Over a year." That left you speechless. "Exactly. Now come on." Loki got into position. "Let's do it again." You agreed; getting into position as well. "At least I can waltz and we have to practice part two of our dance not remotely as much..." "You say that as if it meant nothing, darling. I'd be so bold and say that not every Midgardian woman can waltz." "Yes, but-" "Ah.Ah," Loki tutted; interrupting you. "No buts. You are my dancing queen." His words left you blushing, and before you were able to say something, he 'switched on' the music again.

You quickly tried to focus; recalling the dance steps you had learned already - and it worked. It really worked. You smiled as you moved with Loki over the rich marble floor in one of the dance halls in Asgard.

Practising in Asgard? Yes. Why? Loki insisted, since one: The actual dance would take place here as well, so it was better for the practice and two: Because the professional dance lessons (if you would choose to take some) were for free. Plus, nearly every Asgardian was a literal dance professional...

Since you (and Loki) wanted to keep things even and make a mix of an Asgardian and Midgardian wedding, the dance consisted of two components. You'd start with the Asgardian part and then switch over to the Midgardian. Two realms, two songs - and actually two dances. The waltz was no problem for you, but the Asgardian dance style was...

With the ending of the last tunes of the beautiful musical piece, you and Loki took your 'final position' as well. Your right arm draped over his shoulder; hand resting on the nape of his neck. His right arm was in the exact same position. Your forehead was leaned against his; skin on skin and eye to eye.

The god smiled, "Well done, love." and broke the position to catch your lips in a small, gentle kiss. "See? You did it." "Almost," you corrected him, but couldn't help but smile as well. Loki rolled his eyes - still with that smirk on his face, "We'll get to it, I promise." and took a step back. "Let's start again."

Loki distanced himself from you and got into position, with his hands crossed behind his back. Then he snapped and the song started from the beginning. The both of you started to walk towards each other graciously. Once you were an arm length away from your soon-to-be husband, you curtsied. Just like Loki took a bow. In rhythm with the music, your right palm found his left palm; forearm to forearm and other hand neatly resting on yours and Loki's back - and so you started to dance.

Loki slipped into a fresh t-shirt, while he made his way towards the bathroom. Knocking gently, he called out your name; gaining your attention.

"Love? Are you ready? We have to go in about ten minutes. Unless we'll be late."

Loki's 'wake-up call' caused your eyes to widen slightly. You may or may not have forgotten the time a little bit while showering... "I'm on my way, babe!" You quickly hopped out of the shower and into a fresh pair of underwear, before blow-drying your hair - at least a little bit (It was late summer, so actually not a big problem since it was pleasantly warm outside.), and got dressed in your baby blue summer dress.

Once you left the bathroom, your fiancé was already waiting for you; leaning against the wall with the car keys in hand.

"Are we ready?" You smiled and stepped up to him; winding your arms around his neck. "Eager to go?" The god chuckled. "It's about cake, darling. Of course I am eager."

You giggled and pecked his lips. "Let me just grab my purse and then we can leave." Loki nodded; watching you walk past him.

The two of you had an appointment today at the best pâtisserie in down town New York City in order to do a cake tasting. It was about the wedding cake, of course and you both agreed that it would be best to try some things first, before you'd decide about the interiority of the three-tier wedding cake. The design and decoration was already set and arranged with the pâtisserie. Now you and Loki had to do the 'fun' part... Tasting different fillings and flavours.

Your destination was a twenty minute car ride away from the Avengers compound. Give or take.

Luckily the traffic was not a complete chaos, so you made it to arrive in time.

The pâtisserie was bustling with people - of course. After all, it was the best in down town; yes, probably in whole New York City.

With your hand snugly wrapped up in Loki's bigger hand, you waited patiently in line until it was your turn. "Hi, we have an appointment for a wedding cake tasting," you explained to the friendly looking young man behind the counter. His eyes widened when he looked at you and Loki; recognising the both of you for sure. "Oh, uh, yes, give me a second, please..." He said nervously, looked down and seemed to search for something, until- "Ah, yes. Please follow me." You nodded with a smile. The young man's cheeks reddened and he smile bashfully back at you.

You and Loki followed him then to a little back room with two doors, a small grey sofa, white counter and some bar stools. The wall was painted in a beautiful shade of pastel orange and a few art pictures hung here and there. It looked quite neat and cosy.

"Have a seat, please." The man gestured towards the sofa. "Riley will be with you in a minute." You smiled, "Thank you." while your fiancé gave him a nod. Once more the young guy smiled shyly and fumbled nervously with his fingers. "It's an honour to have you here, Ms. Y/L/N and Mr. Laufeyson."

For the first time since you entered the pâtisserie, Loki spoke up; leapfrogging you. "Well, it's a pleasure to be here." You silently agreed with the god; who still held your hand in a snug grip and made sure you were standing close to him.

Even though you were about to be married, he still showed the people who you belonged to. Guess some things never change, you thought with a smile; looking at your engulfed hand. You didn't care, though. Quite the opposite... Loki's slight possessiveness was attractive and admittedly sexy in your eyes.

The man opposite you blushed in a dark shade of red, "That's great to hear." before shuffling his feet. He was on the verge of leaving the room, but before he did, he turned around to face you and Loki once again; seemed now to have scratched all his bravery together and ask: "I-I know this is p-probably inappropriate to ask, b-but may I get an autograph l-later?"

You smiled brightly. The guy was kinda cute, you couldn't deny that. "Of course. Just hit us up before we leave again."

The young man's eyes twinkled with happiness - and relief. "T-Thank you." Then he left the little room and you and Loki alone.

About five minutes later, the other door at the side wall opened and in came a woman in 'workwear', bright pink hair, glasses and quite a few piercings.

You and Loki were sitting on the sofa - like instructed; hands still intertwined and resting in your lap. Your free hand was on Loki's thigh, close to his knee. When you saw the woman, you both stood up.

"Hi there!" She said in a happy, enthusiastic tone and crossed the distance to meet you and shake your hands. "I'm Riley, we talked on the phone. Nice to meet you." You shook her hand, smiling. "Y/N and Loki." The friendly woman winked, "I know." shook Loki's hand as well and gestured for the counter with the bar stools. "Shall we move over?" "Sure." You and the god followed her. She went behind the counter and you both got comfortable on the stools.

"Alright!" Riley drummed her fingertips slightly on the wooden surface; smiling. "We already talked about your wedding cake in general a few months back. All that's missing are the fillings - and that's why you're here today. I prefer to do that in terms of a tasting, because it guarantees that the cake is really after your taste. But, before we do that I have to ask if you'd like to make any last minute changes, regarding the style or decoration of the cake?"

You and your fiancé exchanged a look and simultaneously shook your heads. "No, it's perfect the way it is."

Riley clapped her hands. "Alright. I'll go, fetch the things we need and then we can start, yes?" "Perfect, thank you."

Just a few minutes later, she returned with a big tray full of small, round cakes. They were neatly arranged and, of course, labelled. Riley put the tray down on the counter in front of you and Loki. Your eyes roamed over the different cakes with their different fillings and you just couldn't wait to taste them.

"Okay," started Riley with a smile. "I put together a wide range of different stuff and flavours. We've got some classics like vanilla, chocolate and strawberry, but also a few special - some might say exotic flavours like mango, melon and matcha, and of course some which are refined with alcohol and coffee."

"Start which whatever you like." That was a sentence you and Loki didn't let yourself tell twice. You dived right in, always splitting the tiny cake in half and tasted the delicious treats.

Both, you and your soon-to-be husband didn't think that deciding on three different flavours for your wedding cake was that difficult - but by the Norns, it was. Almost everything just tasted absolutely wonderful and exactly that was the problem - and that you and Loki had different favourites...

"Okay, okay..." You said, taking a deep breath. "Compromise, babe. You decide on the top cake, I get the bottom one and we choose the middle together?" The god nodded; giving you a smile. "Agreed."

In the end, Loki chose chocolate-mint, you mango-maracuya and together you decided on something with a little kick - Baileys. Three completely different flavours, hopefully one for everybodys taste.

Here's the beautiful invitation @chennqingg designed!

Tags: @muddyorbsblr @mochie85 @asgards-princess-of-mischief @jaidenhawke @ijuststareatstuffhereok89 @multifandom-worlds @jennyggggrrr @mishkatelwarriorgoddess @fictive-sl0th @herdetectivetheorist @hisredheadedgoddess28 @chennqingg @princess-ofthe-pages @km-ffluv @brokenpoetliz @huntedmusicgardenn @lokiforever @stupidthoughtsinwriting @loz-3 @jaguarthecat @icytrickster17 @eleniblue @yourfriendlyslytherinhc @mypainischronicbutmyassisiconic @kimanne723 @lou12346789 @smolvenger @lokisrealpurpous @isaidoop @lokisgoodgirl @aagn360 @cakesandtom @alexakeyloveloki @glitchquake (Continuing in the comments!)

[bsydelver]

PART 2- Tamaki Amajiki x Alt/gothic reader.

———>part 1

COLLAB WITH @wolvwa <333 (best plot inventor for real)

MAY BE OOC BUT BARE WITH ME.

Note: Okay, Im actually kinda excited for this chapter bcs Wolfa made such a cute plot for this part so trust us please with this one even if I barely write/wrote fluff 🙏

Warnings (?): Writer should not be labelled a writer, english isn’t my first language, reader slowly falls in love kinda, Mirio and Nejire just being Tamaki’s friends idk how to explain, reader is cute lowkey wanna be Tamaki (hj)

Summary: The four of you are hungry and go to a nice place then follow up and buy things from the cafeteria on campus until something happens and- okay just read.

As Mirio stepped in, a call for him that Nejire did and filled the room with followed. Tamaki lifted his head up too to look at Mirio who was visibly waiting for the room to calm down before fixing his mouth to say anything. Before you could greet him, you couldn’t help but notice the huge bag he was carrying on his back: what would a student be carrying that was this big for some chill out at a dorm with friends, you being you of course, you chose to question him about it; you always started your known interrogations with something simple, “Hey Mirio!” Nejire and Mirio both looked at you and it didn’t take long before Tamaki joined them (he couldn't miss this opportunity after all), “Y/n! How are you?” Mirio replied back, it was simple as you had initially expected- that exact moment was the time to actually ask: “If you don’t mind me asking; your bag looks rather bigger today, what do you exactly have in there?” your tone came off concerned for some reason which made the two other people who had been present before Mirio’s entrance in the dorm at that moment seem even more invested than you were, “Oh yeah!” Mirio let down his bag which kind of made a loud bang on the floorboards but it was much quieter than you predicted it would be actually, “I brought a board game for us to play,” as Mirio said that, you could see stars form in Nejire’s eyes and you couldn’t resist letting out a half smile: they were your closest friends after all and seeing them happy made you happy as well.

Due to Nejire’s obvious excitement, al though not expressed by her directly, Mirio layed out the game without any context and just ordered you guys to pair up into two groups of two people- but he basically hadn’t given you the choice as he had picked Nejire immediately, leaving you and Tamaki. Dice started rolling and true rivalry begun, there was nothing labelled as friendship when it came to you and the group’s board game matches. The only trustable person you had was Tamaki and you didn’t want to waste that, you both gave each other mutual ‘time to finish this’ glances through out the games and a few smiles as well, mostly from your side- but Tamaki had mustered up the courage a few times to actually form some as well. The thing that intrigued you the most though during this intense game were the (not-very-well-hidden) hidden smirks and glances Mirio and Nejire gave Tamaki: were the three of them planning on 3 versus 1 against you, were you just that good?! You decided not to look too much into it though as one hour had went by and your victory was officially confirmed and Mirio packed up the board with a quote-on-quote “disappointed face” that you just scoffed at in a playful manner. You looked at the person who preformed amazingly, Tamaki, and signaled him to do a fist bump which resulted in a few seconds of silence before he raised his fist up to complete the bump part of it.

Mirio’s stomach rumble escaped as he was putting the game back in his bag, you rolled your eyes and did a small giggle, “I heard this new place opened and does deliveries to our campus and we don’t need approval if I remember correctly since they partnered with principal Nezu!” You blurted out in order for you not to seem evil for that giggle that came out from you earlier accidentally (or on purpose, only you knew the answer to that); the group all agreed to your suggestion and after you contacted that new restaurant, you all ran out of the dorm with the idea that by the time you reach the drop off spot at campus, the order would be there.

You guys were right for once actually and you took the order and rushed to your ‘signature’ bench to eat there before anybody else could sit there and claim the place. Everyone slowly opened their order like it was some mysterious box, and they technically were since you had never tried from this place. You noticed that Tamaki had looked at you before taking a bite of his meal, you just smirked at the thought of it and how cute yet simple he was, both were traits you never thought would be coming from him at the time you didn’t know him as much (maybe cute but on a minimal scale, MAYBE). Everyone was digging in, especially Mirio, and you could tell it wouldn’t be the last time you guys would order from that place. Everyone’s mouthes were too full to say anything, all of you guys basically looked like hamsters with nut-stuffed cheeks that were puffed out; Tamaki pulled out a tissue as he chewed and after he swallowed, you could see him start mouthing something to you, “Y/n,” he didn’t continue and just pointed at a spot on his own left cheek, it was obvious now that you think about it but at that moment you were too focused on something else to process what Tamaki was hinting towards. Tamaki layed down his food and took off his gloves, still holding the same tissue, and leaned towards you- gently wiping the parallel spot on your face which he had been pointing at on his own face previously, his fingers were cold yet gave you warmth and before you could thank him: he pulled a similar product to the one you used for your makeup and handed it to you, "I carry this with me just in case of emergencies for you," you smiled at the small yet thoughtful gesture and properly thanked him after swallowing your food which you had been slowly chewing on since Tamaki’s wiping without taking notice.

You all headed back to your dorm and not Nejire’s this time after the much-needed meal with initial plans on a movie night with snacks- recommended by Nejire and Mirio. Something was missing though; it was the snacks part of the whole thing, Nejire quickly took action for this horrible “mistake” she had done and informed you and the group that her and Mirio would be going out to buy some and that Mirio needed to go out anyways to get his bag from Nejire’s dorm. You closed the door behind them with an exhale and looked behind you to find the indigo-haired boy sitting on the floor of your room in awe of the uniqueness of it, there was a contrast between you and him: he was always really quiet and just kept to himself unless you were really close to him and you found that fascinating to you, but you were open about your personality and interests and that always seemed to amaze Tamaki and admire you. Your footsteps quickly cut his observation off though and he had realized you both were alone and for God knows how long you’d be, Nejire and Mirio were menaces for this and they knew exactly what they were doing. You looked down at the distressed Tamaki and decided to sit down beside him to offer some comfort if needed, “Wait I have an idea,” something came over you and you opened the record player you had to practically beg the school to allow for months before they actually did to play ‘Lucretia My reflection’ (wr:sorry had to pull out one of my favs) you put out your hand for Tamaki and pulled him up and started moving ‘with’ him to the beat, you realized he was lost though and decided to take it upon yoursef to be the one to teach him dancing. You told him to follow along with your steps and taught him all you knew and all with a smile on both of your faces. Tamaki was always captivated by you, everything about you felt so different to him yet attractive and to have the opportunity to participate in the uniqueness you carried within you was an honor to him.

[fandomgirlz01]

HEYYY!!! I’ve been reading you fanfics and there really good and I’ve been wondering if you can make a Colby x reader series were reader goes to a meet n greet and reader ask Sam and Colby if they can kiss her cheeks for a picture and Colby slips a note of his phone number into her back pocket . THANK U SOOO MUCH IF U DO THIS

I Like Your Tattoo

Colby Brock X Reader

Imagine on my fandom instagram?: No

Prompt?: No

Request?: Yes By: Anonymous above

Requested prompt?: No

Edited: Yes

Word count: 5,938

Ko-fi

Masterlist

Warnings here

You can listen to the story be read out loud here.

Post Date: December 16th, 2022

Post Time: 4:13 pm

Summary:  Reader goes to a meet and greet to meet the boys she believes saved her life. Colby may or may not take a liking to her when she says her favorite quote is “________”. Then she lifts her sleeve to show them two tattoos she’s gotten. A tattoo of her favorite quote along with a quote from Colby “_____” which shocks him, making him fall head over heels for her.

ANote: I have never really been to a meet and greet, I have been to events where you stand in a long line and wait for an autograph, but never a full on meet and greet. So with that in mind please please just kinda go with me for this one. I plan to just write what I’ve heard and seen from friends as well as adding in my non real meet and greets. 

Please refrain from stealing our work, thank you and please enjoy!!!

Y/n’s Pov: 

I wake up to my alarm sound of Colby going off and groan before grabbing my phone. Instead of turning it off, I listen to it for a few minutes and I start to realize what today is. I finally turn it off as I look around the hotel room that I’m in as if in a daze. 

A smile falls over my face and I grab a pillow shoving it to my face as I let a squeal out before throwing it back to the bed. Finally I get up and decide to start getting ready. I grab the shirt and pants that I had brought specifically for today.

I then grab my makeup bag and jewelry case before walking to the bathroom. I do a very simple makeup look, then change out of my pajamas and into my outfit for the day. 

I put the nice tank top like shirt on:

before pulling the nice long sleeved shirt over the top:

Then I pull my sweatpants on:

I smile when I see my tattoo on my collarbone is on show. I quickly grab my sweatshirt and pull that over my head too now covering both tattoos in the process:

I smile when I deem myself fully ready. I quickly walk out of the bathroom and gather everything I’ll need for the day before heading out to my car. 

I drive down to the shopping center where the meet and greet will be taking place. When I found out they were going to go to an OG meet and greet, I just had to get the tickets. So here I am, waiting to meet my saviors and I couldn’t be more excited, yet nervous all at the same time. 

I quickly park my car and get out before heading to where the line should be. Slowly one by one, they let the small crowd of maybe a hundred to two hundred people through the doors of the small shopping center. Once inside, I smile as I see the big area that has all the merch. 

I start to meander around and look at some of the merchandise. For a few minutes I look over the newest sweaters that they have out, but decide not to buy one. I walk a little ways more before finding the rings, I smile as I pick one up and slip it onto my finger.

“It looks good on you,” a voice speaks, making me look up to see who’s talking to me. 

“Oh! Thank you!” I say in shock as I see Kat standing behind the table. 

“You're welcome. You should get it. Colby designed it off of his own. Maybe if you have one, he’ll notice when you meet with him,” she sweetly tells me and I grin as I nod at her, making her laugh. 

“Sorry. I must have shocked you. I didn’t mean to. I just came over to talk with the merchant about the possibility of stock running out,” she Expands and I nod again. 

“No. Don’t worry, you didn’t shock me at all I- just wasn’t expecting to see you. I’m a huge fan,” I tell her and she smiles at me. 

“Ahh. Ok. I can help you with buying that if you’d like?” she inquires as she points to the ring. 

“Oh. Yes, please, if you could,” I agree as I slip the ring off and hand it to her. 

“Of course. Let me go ask Sarah if she can ring it up,” she tells me as she takes the ring from me. 

“Thank you!” I shout as she walks away, making her turn back to me. 

“You're very welcome,” she says with a nod before turning around and leaving. 

I stand there waiting for a while and soon it starts to warm up a little, so I take off my sweater before tying it around my waist. After it’s off I can breathe a little better and I find myself taking my long sleeve off too before lightly tying it around my waist as well. Just as I finish tying it around myself Kat walks back over with another girl making me look up at them. 

“Hi! I’m Sarah. Kat tells me you’d like to buy this ring?” she asks as she holds it up for me to see and I nod. 

Sarah hands me a card reader and I pay for the ring. Once I’m done paying Sarah hands me my receipt and I give her a small thankful smile. I then put my card along with the receipt away in my wallet. Last I put my wallet back in my crossbody bag before looking back up to Kat. 

“Nice tattoos. Colby said that one,” Kat notifies me as she points to the quote on my collar bone. 

“Yeah… it’s my favorite Colby quote. It’s one of the many quotes that saved my life. That’s why it’s on my collar bone. Close to the heart,” I tell Kat and she grins before someone comes up next to her, whispering something to her. 

“Ok. I’ll be there in a sec,” she promises the person who nods before walking away. 

“Ok. Well, apparently Sam needs me. It was nice meeting you…” she says as she turns to me and pauses. 

“Y/n,” I provide my name for her and she nods. 

“Well, y/n, it was really nice to meet you. You’ll have to tell me more about your tattoo later,” she tells me with a smile and I nod. 

“Of course. It was nice meeting you too, Kat,” I agree with her and she smiles once more before turning around. 

“Would you like me to wrap the ring for you?” Sarah proposes, making me shake my head as I take the ring and slide it back onto my finger. 

“Nah, I think I’ll just wear it. Thank you for your help,” I inform her and she nods, smiling. 

I then walk over to the little food cart that’s sitting just across from the merchandise table and get into the line. It takes a few minutes before I finally get up to it and order my food. I grab it from the person with a smile as well as a small ‘thank you’ before walking over to one of the small tables. 

As I sit down, I look at the time and smile when I see it’s just about time for the boys to actually come out. I quickly open up the food from its packaging and eat it. I drink some water to wash it down and just as I’m finished eating, people start lining up where the line would be. 

I smile as I get up and throw my garbage away before getting in line as well. I look at the people in front of me and realize I’m maybe only about twenty people away. As I wait, I slowly start to get antsy and drum lightly on my thigh. 

The line moves slowly as one by one I get closer and closer. My nerves start to play with my head and my palms get sweaty the closer I get. Suddenly the twentyish people before me are now ten and I swallow when I catch a glimpse of the back of Colby’s head. 

It then suddenly gets warmer and warmer as I get closer, now only about five people in front of me. Before I know it, I’m frozen at the front of the line as Colby turns around with a big smile on his face. 

“Hi. What’s your name?” he asks me and I gulp, making him chuckle. 

“You can come closer. We won’t bite,” Colby promises with a soft smile. 

“Well actually he might, but I definitely won’t,” Sam jokes as Colby holds his hand out to me and walks me over. 

“Sam! Ok… he’s right, I definitely do get bitey the more testy I get, but I promise you I won’t bite you,” Colby jokes and I smile at him as I laugh. 

“Don’t worry, I don’t bite either,” I coyly respond and Colby lets out a loud laugh as he throws his head back. 

“Now that we’ve all established none of us will bite, what's your name?” Sam queries just as the door to the left opens. 

“Y/n! It’s so nice to see you again,” Kat beams as she walks over and pulls me into a hug. 

“Oh, you know her?” Sam questions with a raised eyebrow and Kat nods as we pull back from our hug. 

“We met at the merch table earlier. Bought that very ring she’s wearing now,” Kat explains as she points to the ring on my finger. 

“Yeah. I told her how I really liked the design…” I enlighten them with a light blush as Colby grins. 

“Hey. Is that a tattoo?” Colby asks, pointing at the tattoo on my arm and I grin, nodding. 

“Can I read it?” he asks and I nod before he lightly grabs hold of my arm to look at it a little closer. 

“The heart may be weak and sometimes it might give in, but I've learned that deep down there's a light that never goes out,"

~ Sora

Colby reads it out loud and slowly starts to grin. His eyes light up and Sam smirks. 

“That’s from Kingdom Hearts. I believe Sora said it, didn’t he?” Colby playfully questions even though it’s clear he already knows he’s right and I nod, smiling at him. 

“That he did. It’s my favorite quote from all the games. It has inspired me to never let my light go out. To let it shine no matter where or what I’m doing,” I explain and Colby seems to get excited. 

“Mine is-” Colby starts to quote his favorite quote and I smile. 

“Don’t assume that your dreams are just a fantasy,” 

~Sora

Me and Colby quote it at the same time. He smiles as do, getting even more excited that I even knew that. 

“How’d you know that was my favorite?” Colby asks and I roll my eyes. 

“Umm, hello? Super fan. You said it back in your old Q&A video from Kansas,” I remind him, making his eyes widen as me and Sam laugh. 

“That was so long ago!” Colby comments in shock and I giggle, nodding. 

“How long have you played Kingdom Hearts?” he asks and I grin even more. 

“Oh boy, you’ve got him started now…” Sam quips with an eye roll, making me and Kat laugh. 

“Don’t worry, he can talk KH with me any day. I’ll gladly talk about all the cutscenes for hours as well as watch through them thousands of times,” I inform Sam and his eyes widen. 

“Colby, brother, she's perfect for you,” Sam tells him as he pats him on the back and I blush. 

“Well, I don’t know about that…” I shyly shake my head as both Sam and Kat nod like it’s an understatement. 

“Honey. You definitely are. Saying you're perfect might be an overstatement because nobody's really perfect, but you really do seem to mesh right with Colby,” Kat agrees with Sam and I blush. 

“Well, thank you, that's very nice of you to tell me. But if you ever wanna talk KH and have nobody else to talk to about it, just hit me up,” I confidently tell him with a soft smile and he nods excitedly. 

“Also to answer your question, Colby, I’ve been playing since the first one came out back in 2002,” I explain and his eyes widen. 

“You’ve been playing a lot longer than me then…” Colby trails off in astonishment and I smile, nodding my head. 

“Yeah… me and my very much older Disney-loving cousin were absolutely obsessed with it the first time playing it. Stayed up all night, even at the age of four I was immersed in it,” I explain my past with a nostalgic tone and Colby smiles even bigger, if that’s even possible. 

“I bet your parents were happy your cousin kept you up like that,” Sam jokes and I laugh, nodding my head. 

“Oh, they did. I’ve been told many stories of how when he’d visit, we’d sneak downstairs to play and my parents were always furious the next morning,” I tell Sam and he laughs, giving a small ‘gold’ in response. 

“That’s what made me the gamer I am today actually. If it weren’t for my cousins, I don’t think I’d be much into video games at all,” I inform and Sam smiles softly as he nods.  

“Then I found out Colby liked the game and it just was so awesome to know one half of my favorite duo liked the same thing as me,” I tell them and Colby smiles at me. 

“So how’d you find us?” Colby questions and I giggle. 

“It’s actually a really funny story. So when you two first started out I had known of you, but didn’t really get into the fandom till like maybe 2016ish when I was losing all my will to live…” I explain, but trail off at the end, not wanting to ruin the mood. 

“Awe, what happened at that time?” Sam asks and I smile softly. 

“At that time I had just moved, didn't really have very many friends and was bullied a lot. By a lot I mean like a lot,” I expand as I playfully roll my eyes, making Sam chuckle. 

“But then I found you guys and got more into your videos again. They made me laugh so hard. You guys gave me the will to push on. Not to mention all that you did with wanting to just make a difference,” I tell them with a grin and Colby smiles. 

“Is it ok if we give you a hug?” Colby asks and I nod my head immediately. 

“Definitely,” I agree with them, making them both smile. 

Colby pulls me in first from the right and Sam comes closer from the left. They hug me for a moment and I just sink into the warm feeling they give off. I relax for what feels like only really a minute before being snapped out of the little taste of heaven. 

“Now that’s too cute,” Kat comments with a grin as she pulls out her phone and snaps a picture. 

After she takes the picture we pull apart and Sam notices my other tattoo. Colby walks over to the side with Kat for a moment and she nods before jogging off. Sam pokes the tattoo as he reads it, making me giggle. 

“Hey! Colby said that one,” he comments and I smile, nodding. 

“Yeah. It was one of the moments he inspired me,” I tell him with a soft smile. 

“What’d I say?” Colby asks as he walks back over and I smile. 

“Her other tattoo…” Sam tells him as he points it out on my collar bone. 

“You think it's over, everyone important in your life has never stayed. Little do you know, I'll always be close by. Forever. And nothing will ever change that”

~Colby Brock

“Hey. I tweeted that,” Colby acknowledges after he reads it. 

“Yeah. You didn’t know it, but that was a really bad day for me and you tweeted it just when I needed it… stopped me from a very bad choice…” I choke out as I flash back to the memory. 

“Hey. Hey. It’s ok. I’m really glad I was able to stop that choice. You seem like someone I’d love having around,” Colby tells me as he rubs my back lightly and I smile softly at him while wiping just under my eye. 

“Thank you. Not a lot of people have told me that,” I choke out and he frowns. 

“Well, all the people that left you behind made a huge mistake,” Colby comments with a soft smile as his hand continues to lightly rub my lower back, making me relax faster than I ever have before. 

“Sam, I sadly don’t have one from you. But I was wondering if before I leave, today you’d write one out for me?” I ask him as I turn to him and he gives me a shocked look. 

“I mean, yeah. I can definitely do that,” he tells me in a choked tone and I smile softly at him again. 

“Where’d Kat go?” Sam questions as he looks around for his girlfriend. 

“Oh. Uh, she’s grabbing something from the back room for me,” Colby states as he looks away shyly and I giggle. 

“Ok. Well in the meantime while she’s gone, do you wanna pose for official pictures?” Sam asks and Colby nods. 

“Ok. Let’s do it,” I agree with a grin as Sam motions to the camera guy that we’re ready.  

The camera guy stands up from his chair in the corner and walks over to us. He stops by the camera along with his whole setup that’s next to it. 

“Ok. So when you do pose, I want you,” he explains pointing to me, "To be on that red line right there. Got it?” He points to the line and I look down at it. 

“Yup. I got it,” I tell him with a nod before stepping on the spot. 

“What poses do you wanna do?” Colby asks me and I grin. 

“Can we do one with each and then one all together?” I ask and Sam and Colby both nod. 

“Yeah. We can totally do that. Who do you wanna take a picture with first?” Sam asks and I shrug. 

“I’m good with whoever. I love both of you so I don’t care,” I inform them and they both smile while looking at each other. 

“Colby seems to want to go first, so I’ll let him,” Sam jokes with a chuckle and I smile, nodding as he steps off to the side for a moment. 

“Ok. What pose?” Colby asks with a grin and I giggle, shaking my head. 

“I don’t know. I only had one planned and that’s the one with both of you,” I inform him and he chuckles, rubbing his hands together which only makes me giggle more. 

“Ok. How about just a hug? Or how about this…” Colby thinks out loud before trailing off. 

He comes up behind me and wraps his arms around me from behind. I immediately relax into him and a soft grin falls over my lips as he laces our fingers together before laying them over my stomach. He then lays his head directly on my shoulder and smiles. 

“This ok?” he asks and I only nod, not able to fully find my words. 

“Y…y…yeah. It’s more than ok,” I tell him with a smile, making him grin. 

“Ok. That’s the pose?” The camera guy asks, making both me and Colby nod in confirmation. 

“Ok. On three then,” the camera guy tells us as he leans into the camera. 

“One… two… three,” the camera guy shouts as he starts to take the pictures. He takes a few before standing back up fully. 

“Ok. Good. Next pose?” he tells us and we smile, nodding. 

Colby pulls away and I fight the urge to frown at the loss of his body heat. Sam walks over and gives Colby a funny look that makes me giggle before Colby walks off to the side now. As Colby stands off to the side, I can see Kat walk back, handing him something as they whisper back and forth. 

“Ok. Do you have any idea on a pose for us?” Sam asks and I giggle, shaking my head again. 

“Nope. Like I told Colby, I only had the one with all of us planned,” I inform, reiterating what I’d said before and he smiles, nodding. 

“Ok. How about a piggy back ride?” Sam asks and my eyes widen. 

“Is that good for your back after you broke it?” I ask him and he smiles. 

“Yeah. I should be fine. It’s mostly all healed now,” he informs me as he pats his own back and I smile. 

“Ok. If you’re ok with it,” I hesitantly agree and he smiles as he crouches down. 

I hop onto his back and he wraps his hands around my legs. I smile as I wrap my arms around his neck and he smiles as he turns to the camera. 

“That’s so cute!” Kat shouts out to us and we both turn to grin at her. 

“Ok. Are you guys ready?” The camera guy asks, making us both nod. 

“Ok. On three again,” he tells us as he once again leans down to the camera to take the pictures. 

“Ok. Good. Now one or two all together, yeah?” he asks as he stands back up again. 

“Hold on. Stay up there,” Colby tells us as I start to hop off Sam’s back and he comes over. 

“Why?” I ask and Colby smirks. 

“I’ve got another pose idea,” Colby informs us as he helps Sam make sure I’m not slipping. 

“Ok…” both Sam and I agree with a few chuckles as Sam shrugs when I give him a questionable look. 

Sam keeps me up on his back and Colby stands off to the side. Colby then nods to the camera guy, who smirks and nods. 

“Ok. On three…” he tells us again before getting ready to take the picture. 

“Y/n, look at me,” Colby tells me and I do as he tells me. 

The camera flashes just as Colby pulls me down and gives me a light kiss. The camera flashes a few more times before Colby pulls away with a smile. I blush as I hop off Sam’s back, who smirks. 

“I thought you guys only did show kisses?” I ask and Colby chuckles, shaking his head. 

“Normally we do, but you're special,” Colby tells me, making me blush some more. 

“Well thank you,” I say shyly and he smiles at me. 

“Ok. Next pose?” The camera guy prompts and Colby grins. 

“I have another idea if that’s ok. I actually have a few more,” Colby explains and I grin, nodding. 

“I’m good with whatever,” I tell him and he grins before grabbing my hand. 

“Ok. Sam, you stand in front of her,” Colby tells Sam, who nods and does as he tells him. 

“Y/n, hug him from behind,” Colby tells me and I giggle as I reach up on my tiptoes while wrapping my arms around Sam’s neck. 

“Ok. What now?” I ask and Colby smirks. 

“This…” Colby trails off before he wraps his arms around my waist and cuddles close. 

“Ok. Are you guys ready?” The camera guy asks and Colby nods at him. 

“Ok. As all the other times, on three,” the camera guy tells us again before he leans down to the camera. 

“Ok. Good! Two more poses, yes?” The camera guy questions as he stands back up straight and Colby nods as we all pull away. 

“Ok. Last idea of mine,” Colby tells us, getting a nod from us. 

“Sam, I want to just kinda join. Hug her from the side or back,” Colby tells him and he nods. 

Colby then pulls me into a semi-hug, keeping a hold of my hand. He then leans his forehead to mine and I instinctively close my eyes to hide the tears that start to make way to my eyes. Sam then also grabs onto my hand and just hugs me from the side, leaning his head softly on my shoulder. 

“Ok. Ready?” The camera guy asks and I feel Sam nod. 

The camera guy takes a few shots of this pose. 

“Ok. Good. Last pose?” he asks again as he stands up to look at us. 

We all break apart and I open my eyes. Colby smiles softly at me as he rubs my arm lightly. 

“Can you give us one minute, James?” Colby asks and James nods with a soft smile. 

I wipe my eyes as more tears start to cascade down my cheeks and I shake my head. I see out of the corner of my eye as Sam walks over to Kat. She smiles as he walks over to her and they start to talk back and forth. 

“Hey. You’re ok…” Colby whispers to me now that we’re somewhat alone, he pulls me into a hug and rubs my back. 

“I’m sorry. I told myself I wasn’t going to cry today. That I’d be, like, super cool,” I tell him and Colby’s quick to start hushing me softly. 

“Hey. No. It’s ok to cry. You're human. It happens,” Colby tells me as he continues to rub my back for a few minutes as I slowly start to calm down. 

“Thank you,” I say with a smile at him and he nods. 

“Of course,” he replies with his own grin. 

“Ok. Are we ready now?” James questions when he sees us smiling. 

“Yeah. I think we are,” Colby tells him as he side-eyes me and I nod at him. 

“Ok. What pose was it you wanted to do?” Sam inquires as he rubs his hands together while walking back over after Colby had waved him over. 

“I was thinking we could have me in the middle with both of you guys on my sides, hugging me and kissing my cheeks,” I tell them with a light blush, making them chuckle and nod. 

“Yeah, we can do that,” Sam agrees with a smile and nod. 

“Hold on a moment,” Colby tells us as he holds up a finger. 

He then walks over to Kat and they whisper to one another for a few moments, before Kat pats him on the back. She gives him what seems like an encouraging smile and he hesitantly nods before walking back over to us. 

“Ok. I’m ready now,” Colby informs and I smile softly at him. 

Colby pulls me in from the left and Sam comes up hugging me on the right. I giggle as Colby gives my side a little tickle before they both kiss my cheek and I grin. 

“Ok. On three, one last time,” James explains to us as he slightly bends to the camera again before taking a couple. 

“Ok. Good. You’re all done,” James notifies us as he stands straight once again. 

“Your pictures will be sent to your email,” he informs me and I nod, smiling at him. 

“Thank you, James,” Sam speaks up with a nod at James. 

James nods back before going back over to where he was previously sitting when I first walked up. Sam and Colby both pull away and again I have to fight a frown as I realize my time is up. Kat comes over and pulls her phone out. 

“I’d like to hang out with you sometime, y/n. Do you think I could get your number?” Kat questions me as she holds out her phone to me. 

“Yeah. Sure. I’d love that too,” I agree with Kat as I take her phone and put my number in. 

“Well, I’ll text you soon,” she promises as she takes the phone back. 

“Ok. I look forward to it,” I tell her with a grin before turning to Sam and Colby. 

“Sam, can I get a quote from you?” I ask and he grins, nodding. 

“Yeah. Kat, hon, do you have paper of some sort?” he asks her and she nods before pulling a small ripped up paper from her pocket. 

She hands the paper and a pen to him and he grabs Colby by the arm before spinning him around. Colby rolls his eyes with a playful scoff as Sam uses his back to write it down. He quickly finishes writing before handing Kat the pen. 

“Ok. Done,” Sam tells me as he hands me the paper and I look down at it as I read over it. 

“You can't change the world but you can change how you see it,”

~Sam Golbach

“Awe, Sam… I love it. It’s definitely a good reminder,” I tell him with a smile and he shrugs as he puts his hands in his pockets. 

“I know. It’s even good for me sometimes,” he agrees with me. 

“Ok. Well before I go, can I get one more hug?” I ask the boys and they both smile, nodding. 

I walk over to them and Sam pulls me into a hug first. He hugs me tight for a second and I hug him back just as tight. 

“You got this. It may be bad some days, but just remember on those days that it’s all only temporary,” Sam whispers to me and I nod as I try to keep my tears at bay. 

He pulls back from the hug and smiles softly at me before stepping off to the side. Colby grins as he steps up and pulls me into a hug. 

“I promise you’ve got this. You're a great person and I’d really appreciate getting to know you. I know a lot of people have left you, but think of it this way. It’s not your loss, it’s theirs,” Colby informs me and I nod, hugging him a little closer. 

“Thank you. Really, that means the world to me,” I whisper to him as I cuddle my face into his neck. 

I cuddle into him just a little more and try to commit his smell to my vivid memory. After a few moments more, Colby pulls back and I fight the feeling that rises up inside me at the loss of his contact. I then turn to see Kat smiling at me with her arms open and I giggle, shaking my head. 

“This really was a dream come true,” I tell them as I walk over and hug Kat as well. 

“We loved meeting you, too,” Kat tells me with a grin as she pulls back. 

“Well. I hope we meet again someday,” I admit as I start to walk back the way I had come. 

“Don’t worry, we will. I’ll make it happen,” Kat promises and I smile at her. 

“And I wholeheartedly believe you will,” I reply and she smiles at me. 

I turn around and start walking out with a grin on my face. I turn back one last time to look at them and I catch Colby watching me. I turn back around and smile as I walk back to my car. 

Once back at my car, I get in and let out a happy sigh. I sit in the driver's seat and just soak in what had just happened. I can’t help but let out a little happy squeal before calming down and turning on my favorite playlist. 

As my music turns on, I grin as Skin starts to play and I giggle, shaking my head in slight disbelief. After starting my car, I pull out and start driving back to my hotel for the night. As I drive, I listen to my music and happily sing along the whole way back. 

Before I know it, I’m walking back into my room and my smile still hasn’t gone away. I sigh again as I put my bag down before heading to the bathroom. Once in the bathroom, I decide to change back into my pajama pants and as I start to pull my pants off, I hear something like a crumpling sound. 

In confusion, I put my hand in the pocket thinking it’s just my receipt from the ring, but then I remembered that I’d put it in my wallet. Still confused, I pull the small piece of paper out of my pocket and unfold it before reading over it. 

“I would really like to hang out sometime :) I think you’re really beautiful. Text me?  Maybe we can set up a time to meet up. (557)846-2694

~Colby 

I stare at it for a moment in confusion before trying to figure out if it’s real. It’s only after a few minutes that I realize this is the paper that Kat had handed him earlier on. I let out a giggle of disbelief for a moment before snapping out of my shock. 

I quickly race back out of the bathroom into my room and over to my purse. I roughly pull my phone from my purse and pull up a new text feature. It takes me a moment of staring at the phone before I think of what to say. 

“Hi 😁. Thank you for the compliment ☺️. I would absolutely love to meet up somewhere. Just let me know when you’re free and what day 😊,”  I reply and quickly hit send before I can second guess myself. 

I then wait with baited breath for his response, and when it doesn’t come right away, I decide to find something else to do until it does. So I busy myself with drawing on my iPad and do that for a solid few hours before getting bored. I turn my iPad off and sigh before grinning and deciding to play on my PS4 for a bit. 

I turn it on and the screen comes to life. I quickly toggle over to my games file and look through them. A smirk falls over my face when I see Kingdom Hearts and I make a split second decision to play it. 

Just as I get to the first cut scene of Axel eating ice cream with Roxas, my phone goes off. I quickly pause the game and pick up my phone. 

“Hey! Glad you messaged me 😁. I was a little nervous you wouldn’t. You’re very welcome for the compliment, it’s only true 😉. Cool. Would you possibly be free Friday night? 😌”  I read over his reply and blush lightly before clicking on the type box. 

“Yeah. I’m free Friday ☺️,”  I reply and immediately his next message pops up. 

“Well now you're not. I’m taking you to dinner 😉,”  I read it before giggling and shaking my head. 

“Ok. I’ll make sure it’s on my calendar 😉,”  I reply and I can’t help but grin very wide as I see the three dots pop up. 

“Great! So… what are you doing right now?” I read over it and giggle before a smirk falls over my face. 

“I may or may not be playing KH right now…” I type out and send it and again the three dots immediately pop up. 

“No way! Which one?” he asks and I giggle again. 

“Yes way. Four. I just got it about a week ago,” I tell him and it’s like I can feel his excitement when I read over his next text. 

“Dude. Four is awesome. How far are you into the game?” he asks and I laugh, shaking my head. 

“Day eight, the cut scene of Axel and Roxas getting ice cream. I haven’t really had much time to play,” I reply and smile when the dots pop up again. 

“I gotta go, but let’s talk more later,” Colby replies and I smile at the thought he wants to keep talking to me. 

“Ok. I’ll see you Friday ☺️,” I say my goodbyes with a smile on my face. 

“See you Friday 😉,” he replies and I blush when I see the winky emoji. 

Once the last text comes through, I close my phone and pick my controller back up. I press play and continue to play, but find it hard to as I can’t help but think of the upcoming Friday. That’s how my day ends, me happy playing KH which thoughts of what’s to come. 

The End…

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[rmsstevielol]

If u don’t want to agree to it being a colony then at least accept that they, along with the Irish and the Welsh were oppressed. If you don’t want to accept that then I don’t really know what to tell you becuase to me what im about to list right now seems an obvious example of oppression; trying to wipe out and I quote “ethnically cleanse” cultures, beating children for speaking Gaelic or Welsh right up until the late 20th century, after the battle of Culloden tartan and Gaelic was banned and if caught speaking Gaelic or wearing tartan, you were exiled, flogged or even executed, if you happened to have any ties with the Jacobites then you were literally rounded up and executed. Another example and a much more modern one is an account from my great grandma saying when she was at school you could be beat for speaking Gaelic and when my Nan was younger she was literally taught to “speak English” or more “proper”, meaning getting rid of the accent. Another example are the deep rooted stereotypes that still exist today about Scottish people, that all of them are “violent”, “angry”, “loud”, “drunk”, “savages”, “barbarians”, “not feminine” I could go on.. but these type of things are so common and they’ve been taught for so long that it is impossible not to think of the Scot’s like that and yes, some people may not be thinking of it as “not that deep” when in reality it is because they just aren’t funny and they make people look at us as if were some sort of joke, like our accents are always the butt of the joke or something. My mum has experienced things as simple as a dirty look whenever she gets a bit loud of says something in a strong accent and even on one occasion, an officer in the army telling my dad to “control his wife” after she refused to sing God save the King, as if she were “out of control” or something. All of these things are some sort of oppression and even though they aren’t as severe as they were before, they are still a thing.

I could go on about this topic for hours talking about other things like when talking about being Scottish, they always end up being the butt of the joke whether that be making fun of the accent, making fun of the bagpipes, the traditional dress. I live in England and I have a lot of friends who tend to do these things subconsciously and I wouldn’t hold it against them but I think it does need to be spoken about more and spoken about where it comes from and why it could be quite offensive. I’m so sorry to ramble on but a quick thing to point out is the fact that just becuase I want to spread the history of oppression of the Scot’s, it does not mean that I deny their involvement in the British colonialism of other countries and the involvement in the slave trade, i am aware it happened and are embarrassed and ashamed of the Scottish people who did that and I do consider them to be a “traitor” to Scotland but I just want to make my country’s history known and how they did suffer without people comparing or disregarding as something not that important or not as bad, yes some Scot’s did awful things and were involved willingly with British colonialism etc but it should not shrug off the suffering they went through as a country themselves.

I am sorry I couldn’t speak more for the Welsh or Irish but I didn’t want to then speak about their history and get it wrong. 🫶

[accidentalcultleader]

It is extremely in character for me to look at the shit show that is today and just quote sara bareilles

"Don't stop trying to find me here amidst the chaos

Though I know it's blinding there's a way out

Say out loud, we will not give up on love now

No fear, don't you turn like Orpheus, just stay here

Hold me in the dark and when the day appears

We'll say

We did not give up on love today"

There's so many things I could say right now to all of my friends and comrades currently in the US, to tell them that the world is going to be okay eventually but it all feels fruitless. And yet, the only words that come are the ones that are blocked by fear and tears. So please, if you feel helpless, like I do right now, please keep sara's words in mind and keep going. Keep going for the promise of the day we may never see, keep going and be the solid ground your friends need during this time.

We have a hell of a fight ahead, if we want to get the bastards that stole away our rights and our hopes, we have no choice but to keep going.

[whattraintracks]

3. Surprise Party – TMNT 1987 

This is totally inspired by iztarshi's birthday loop fic please go check it out.

After a very long day of fending off several well-meaning friends, acquaintances, and enemies—those might not have been well-meaning. Probably not? Hard to say—Leonardo is exhausted.

Who knew unplanning surprise parties was even harder than planning them?

Look, Raphael made it very clear last year that he did not enjoy his birthday, nor did he appreciate anyone's attempts to make him celebrate it. Leonardo could make some sacrifices to respect those wishes.

But after a whole day of it, he is really and truly beat, so when Michelangelo suggests ordering in and having a movie night, he readily forgoes his planned meditation session. Pizza and bad monster movies: the great panacea for every teenage turtle.

He unsurprisingly spends most of the film just shy of sleep until the snap of the television shutting off startles him back to awareness. Raphael releases the remote to the clutches of the couch cushions with a jaw-cracking yawn.

Donatello and Michelangelo, he notices, are curled together on a pillow nest at the base of the couch. They likely drifted off partway through the movie, equally exhausted from their day of misadventures.

"Well, gang," Raphael announces, perhaps unaware they're the only two awake, "It's officially a new day. And I must say, I am just so crushed that not one of you wished me a happy birthday yesterday."

Confusion laps at the edge of his consciousness as the words filter in. Was it really past midnight alre—

Wait. Crushed? By what?

No, not physically. He's upset. With them?

Oh no, he's hurt his little brother, hasn't he? He told Donatello they should have asked Raphael before making plans behind his back. Leonardo lurches forward to grab Raphael in a hug.

"Oh, you're awake," Raphael pats his shell automatically, "and crying. I was kidding, Leonardo."

Crying, right. The jumble of sensations on his face is starting to make more sense. He clings a little more.

"Man, I always forget how weepy you are when you're tired." Raphael shuffles around, readjusting for as much comfort as possible with his arms full of sniffling turtle.

Raphael sighs, "Look, I may not be a Ninja Master, O Great One, but my senses work perfectly well. Despite what I will magnanimously assume were your best efforts, I know what you three got up to today."

Leonardo blinks until he's somewhere a little closer to wakefulness. "Oh."

"And Michelangelo might be loud, but Mondo Gecko is a lot louder."

He giggles at the memory of Michelangelo trying to yell over Mondo Gecko. At about midday, he'd all but invaded the lair with an unholy number of streamers and party hats, singing "Happy Birthday" at the top of his lungs. "Oh."

Raphael peers down at him with a smirk, "Eloquent."

He leans up to double-check Raphael is un-crushed physically and emotionally, smushing his cheeks with great seriousness. "So, you’re not upset?"

"No, Leonardo." Raphael endures the smothering but not without sounding incredibly put upon. "I am not upset about our quote-unquote 'absolutely, one hundred percent normal, honestly-it'll-just-be-like-any-other day.'"

They both chuckle at the reminder of Donatello's words that morning. They sound silly coming from Raphael, but he has a gift for matching their brother's unwavering earnestness with biting humor.

Then quietly, so quietly Leonardo only hears it because he is fully in Raphael's personal space, he begrudgingly adds, "A day that the three of you went to truly ridiculous lengths to maintain."

And maybe he's just tired, worn out, and bleary, but tucked beneath the familiar sass, Leonardo detects a kernel of gratitude.  

"Oh."

With a magnificent roll of his eyes, Raphael finally shoves him away. "Well, now you just sound like a broken record. How are you still awake? You look like the dead."

"Because I am." He sinks back into Raphael's arms, words muffled as he nuzzles closer. "You are speaking with the ghost of Leonardo."

"Hah! Go to sleep, you goof."

"Hmmkay. Good night, Raphael. Happy unbirthday."

He huffs, "Who, me?"

And then Leonardo finally, blessedly falls asleep.

[imreallyloveleee]

for @bughead-bones and @stonerbughead who asked about my s5 murder mystery au: i plotted like 90% of this story out a year or two ago. who knows if i'll ever actually write it all, but if i do, it's going to switch POVs between betty, jughead & veronica. i've never written veronica's pov before, so that's been a little challenging. here's a snippet from jug's pov!

“Jess, have you seen my tie?”

“Nope.”

Jughead emerges from the bathroom to find her sprawled out across the motel room bed, tapping away at her phone. He presses two fingers to his temple, willing away the headache just barely beginning to throb. “Okay, well could you help me look for it? We’re going to be late.”

“I don’t think you have to wear a tie at a funeral.” Jessica slinks off of the bed anyway, leaning halfway over the chipped tv stand to peer behind it. He resists the urge to redirect her towards a more plausible spot, like the pile of clothes she’s left pooled by the foot of the bed. 

“I want to,” he replies tightly. He lifts her leather jacket off the seat of the desk chair — bingo. “Help me tie this?”

She complies, kissing his cheek as she loops the tie around his neck. “You seem really antsy about this.” She tightens the knot at the base of his throat and then tugs on the end a little, teasing, as she steps back.

“I’m about to give a eulogy for my best childhood friend.” 

“Yeah, your best friend who stole your girlfriend.” Jessica raises one eyebrow before laying back on the bed again, toying idly with the end of her long, black braid. 

Sometimes he wishes he’d never told her about that. If Betty’s at the funeral today, and Jessica figures out who she is, god only knows what she’ll say.

God only knows what he’ll say. It’s been a little over a year since they — he? she? does it matter? — ended whatever you’d call the semi-regular communication they’d carried on with ever since the breakup. For six years they’d texted back and forth: book recommendations, professional accomplishments, the occasional meme that made them think of one another. 

None of it came close to scratching the surface of their former relationship. But he misses it. He still finds himself reaching for his phone when he reads an article or a line in a novel that he thinks she’d like. Every time, he forces himself to set it aside. Her silence spoke for her, loud and clear: she doesn’t want to hear from him.

Jughead turns back towards the bathroom mirror, pretending to fiddle with his hair. “That was seven years ago.”

And I’m over it. And I’ve forgiven him. All the words Jughead knows he should say — the words that he thinks, most days, are true — congeal like putty in his mouth, unable to emerge fully formed.

“And now he’s dead,” he adds, unnecessarily. 

It still feels unreal, conceptually speaking: Archie is dead. Sure, he may have had some brushes with death — Jughead’s had more than a few of his own — but Archie Andrews wasn’t the kind of person who would just die. He half expects that when he walks into the church this afternoon, Archie will be standing right there, gathered with all their old friends and acquaintances, laughing at what a gullible sucker Jughead’s become in his not-yet-old age.

But the article is still there loaded on his phone, same as it was one week ago when JB had texted him the link: LOCAL ACTIVIST FOUND DEAD. Friends of Archie Andrews, 25, say they have questions. 

The piece went on to quote names Jughead used to encounter on a daily basis: Local businesswoman Toni Topaz. Riverdale Sheriff Tom Keller. Town coroner Dr. Curdle Jr. It read almost like something he himself had penned as a macabre writing exercise, filling in the blanks of a murder mystery plot with the people who had once formed the landscape of his own life. 

[threephantomrey]

IT’S A VERY SPECIAL DAYYYY!!!!🥳🥳🥳🥳

that’s right! it’s the 20th anniversary to my favorite movie of all time and my favorite Scooby Doo movie of all time, Scooby Doo and the Loch Ness Monster!!!!!

so i’ve already explained how much i love this movie in a post from almost two years ago but today, i am going to add MORE love for it in this post.

Scooby Doo and the Loch Ness Monster was probably, if not the first, one of the first movies i ever watched. many parts of it had stayed etched into my brain over the years. it was always my favorite, even through all my hyperfixations over the years and even when i went without watching it for a long time.

whenever i rewatch this movie, it feels like going back home. not just in the sense of feeling like i’m going back to when i was little and standing in front of my gray TV that would play it or going downstairs early in the morning to watch it on the TV we had in the living room and turning up the volume so loud it would wake up my dad. but also in the sense that it felt like going somewhere i belonged, rewatching the movie feels like getting a big warm hug from someone who watched you grow up and loves you. when i rewatch it, it feels like seeing an old friend again for the first time in years and finding out that they’re still the same person you loved back then. it’s a movie that never fails to give me comfort.

when i think of Loch Ness Monster, i don’t just think of the gang or the monster’s amazing design and the sounds it made, i also think of the opening scene, i think of lesbian icon Shannon Blake, Del Chillman the guy of all time and his van, all the beautiful backgrounds, Sir Ian Locksley, Professor Fiona Pembrooke and Velma fangirling over her, Colin and Angus Haggart, Blake Castle, Loch Ness, Duncan MacGubbin, Scooby carving a hole in the fog with his claw, the song Brothers Forever, Shaggy’s Rocky Road ice cream song, the scene where Shaggy and Scooby go to find the kitchen in the middle of the night that scared me when i was little so much i used to hide in my closet, Sir Ian’s submarine, the bad Scottish accents, Fred saying “da bomb diggity,” the ambiguous ending, Daphne’s pretty raincoat, you name it.

when i graduated high school, i used the line “hang onto your friends and you’ll get through whatever, soon you’ll be coming out the other side” from Brothers Forever for my high school yearbook quote. (yes, i actually did this) did anyone i went to high school with know what i was referencing? probably not, but it was awesome, and i have to give 17 year old me points for doing that.

i had even made this video in 2023 about the movie, in which i said i like to think of myself as the #1 Loch Ness Monster stan. and i think i stand by that. to me, it’s a beautiful and fun and lighthearted movie for families to enjoy and nostalgic and is full of comfort and makes you feel okay and safe🥹 (which yes, this definitely applies to Scooby Doo in general, but we’re specifically talking about Loch Ness Monster right now) with a song about friendship (Brothers Forever) that i also view to be a song specifically about Shaggy and Scooby’s friendship and the friendship between the whole gang. this is because of the lines “hang onto your friends and you’ll get through whatever, soon you’ll be coming out the other side” “wherever you go, i’ll be there by your side” “never we’ll part cause we’re stronger than ever” and “when it all falls apart, we gotta keep it together.”

and also the song is just really deep and meaningful in general. the second line in the song is literally “you’ve been hanging onto something, it’s really just enough it seems to me” and we also get these lyrics: “castles may stand but they don’t last forever, save what you can let the rest of it slide” “and this world feels like a monster who weighs a ton” “open your eyes and realize this life is just a crazy mystery” (which is such a Scooby Doo lyric) like BROOOO!!! this song is SO DEEP AND EMOTIONALLLL AND FOR WHATTTT🥺🥺 my favorite Scooby song of all time.

this movie may not be one of those pieces of Scooby Doo media that completely changed the status quo or had major impact on the fandom, (although it does do something different by having that ambiguous ending and the 3 monsters) but it was designed to not be like that. it was designed to be just a fun, traditional Scooby Doo movie with a little bit about Daphne’s family history and to be fun and lighthearted! and it does an AMAZING job at that! and you know what? it also gave us the iconic quote from Daphne “nothing’s impossible when you’ve got Scooby Doo around.” which is SO true and this movie deserves to be celebrated for that reason alone. it’s still important.

fun fact: i first heard about the Loch Ness Monster from this movie.

also the rivalry between Fiona and Ian? PERFECTION. i’d totally watch a movie about just them and their rivalry. and when he starts to believe her about the monster? top 10 sweetest moments ever. this movie just gives off such good vibes like it can really bring some comfort to you. if it was a person in real life, it’d definitely be someone you’d want to be friends with like they’d just be so chill and would cherish their friendships very much. this movie gives off a vibe of just staring out into the sunset over the sea and taking a deep breath, feeling the wind in your hair and the breeze around you and just appreciating everything.

here’s to the dark hallways we walked through while sticking beside our friends, the waters we dived into, the Blake family being danger-proned, the 3 monsters that chased us all around, the rivalry between those who don’t believe and those who do, what we’ve called the bomb diggity, everything that can be possible because Scooby Doo is around, men who are obsessed with the Loch Ness Monster and have a very cool van called the Loch Ness Monster Machine, brothers who will jump into the water when there’s a monster in it, their fathers who wished they would’ve prayed harder for daughters, and men who hold the record the most Loch Ness Monster sightings. may these memories live on for longer than 20 years.

happy anniversary Scooby Doo and the Loch Ness Monster. you are MY brother forever❤️

[waterloggedsoliloquy]

2 & 9 for opal!

2. What's something about your OC that people wouldn't expect just from looking at them?

He knows what he's doing. Not all of it can be chalked up to dumb boy who doesn't know better.

9. Do you have a specific lyric or quote which you associate with your OC?

I like this question. Here is his playlist! And attached favorite lyrics like the 8tracks days. I can't say who he's referring to in every song, but maybe you might have some ideas?

Well, I'm just a kid of ill repute / But the skin I wear's my only suit / And you, you're just a substitute / For the one that I hold dear

2. The blocking characters are plotting new disloyalty / But sensing their irrelevance, they're frowning and displeased / The car chased through the mini-mall, amaryllis on the hood

3. All these things I've tried, boy, be cute, be dumb, be wise, be young

4. I'M SCARED! THAT I! WON'T E! VER CHANGE! I THINK! ABOUT! HER E! VERY DAY! I CAN'T! LET GO! I CAN'T! GO ON! I'M NOT! OKAY! AT ALL!

5. Hey there Mr. Blue! We're so pleased to be with you!

6. 'Cuz my heart is my keep! / And yo-u-u-u-u-u are threatening me!

7. The ache of a decade / the cure is overdue / for this brand-new kind of blue

8. You told me I'm hard to live with, but you said it out of spite! / I may put you through some suffering but I'll never prove you right! / It's a chapter that you're stuck on, but you'd rather read alone / I'm an uninspiring ending, but the best you've ever known!

9. Once I was the King of Spain / now I eat humble pie / A palatial palace, that was my home / now I eat humble pie

10. All My Friends Are Falling In Love / I know that if I was to set you free / You'd let them take you away from me

11. The sleeping beauty of the wasteland / Carry the milk or pierce the body with swords / machine guns, flowers, and peacock feathers

12. You got a reaction / You got a reaction, didn't you? / You took a white orchid / You took a white orchid turned it blue

13. 'Cuz what if I become my mother's / sole reputation? / and with no hesitation / i just burn all night

14. You are an unfit rival / By spirits taught to sing / But a tune so twisted now / Like all that's sweet's gone sour

15. I hug myself hard / How come there's peacocks in the front yard?

16. One girl's not so loud, like a convert she believes / She's always been looking for wires / But now she knows none are required / It's magic

17. I can see now you've stepped into the light / You've got those bright kind of eyes that I like / I kinda lie and I can't find a way through / I've obscured my own view / Well I'd do anything to make you mine

18. I just want to know what your feathers are made out of / Is it bruises or roses or cradles or coffins? (It's all those!) / Which peacock is beast? Which peacock is priest? / If your friends are all cripple, all wither, all wilt / I know, I know, I know

19. My name should be trouble / my name should be woe! / 'cuz trouble heartache / is all that I know! / Lonely lonely blue boy / is my name!

20. Don't occupy my throne, give me the crown I own / Lived like you told me how, look at me now

21. Swear to shake it up, if you swear to listen / Oh, we're still so young, desperate for attention / I aim to be your eyes, trophy boys, trophy wives

22. [no lyrics]

23. Misjudged your limits / Pushed you too far / Took you for granted / I thought that you needed me more, more, more

24. Poor little rich boy, all the couples have gone / You wish that they hadn't, you don't wanna be alone / But they wanna kiss and they got homes of their own

25. What she asked of me at the end of the day/ Caligula would have blushed!

26. [no lyrics]

27. Today I am / A small blue thing / Like a marble / Or an eye / With my knees against my mouth

28. Will you come a little closer now and tell me I'm a / Scrawny mother fucker with a cool hairstyle?

29. Hello again / Not much has changed / I'm still the same / Just a bit older / Where have you been? / How do you like it? / I'm still the same / Just a bit bolder

[ryuzakemo128]

Stranger Things Incorrect Quotes Part Five

Part one / Part Two / Part Three / Part Four / Part Five / Part Six / Part Seven

Dividers: Link

Masterlist

Marianna: Social distancing says you shouldn't be within an elbow's distance of each other. *later, in a barfight* Marianna: Social distancing doesn't say nothing about feet! *kicks opponent in the face*

Marianna: I can't believe there's a cat somewhere in my house. Amazing feeling. Love cats. And he's here, in my house! Somewhere! And I may encounter him! What a treat.

Marianna: I hate when people ask me, 'What did you do today?' Buddy listen, I woke up at noon and then it was five p.m., okay? I don't KNOW!

Marianna, as a child, reading her school assignment out loud: I love my library because... Marianna, mouthing words while writing: I love reading, fuck you.

Marianna: Underestimate me. That'll be fun.

Marianna: God has let me live another day and I'm going to make it everyone's problem.

Marianna: I'd make fun of your height but there isn't enough to make fun of.

Marianna: *trying to buy a Father's Day card at Hallmark* Marianna: Excuse me, do you have any that just say "You are my dad?" Associate: Well, I- Marianna: How about "You banged my mom?" Associate: No... Marianna: You know what, I'll just get a blank one. Marianna: *writes* You are a father. This is a day. Here is a card.

Marianna: When I see initials carved into a tree with a heart I think it’s so romantic. Two lovers on a date... one of them carrying a knife for some reason.

Marianna: Don't ask me what I'm talking about. I don't know, okay? I'm just the vessel. The message has been gifted. I've moved on.

Marianna: Does anyone know how to relax? Asking for a friend.

Marianna, digging her grave: Long story short, this is my grave.......Want me to make you one too?

Marianna: Can I have some water? Eddie: *starts chugging his water bottle* Eddie: *chokes from drinking too fast* Eddie: *spills water all over himself* Eddie, coughing: I don't have any water.

Marianna: I’m not being weird. Am I being weird? Eddie: Yes, and that’s coming from me.

Eddie, holding a scooter: Marianna! Can I go outside and play with this? Marianna: Sure, whatever. I'm not your parent, okay? Eddie, running outside: Thanks Marianna! Marianna, running out after him and screaming: NOT ON THE STREET! STAY AWAY!

Marianna: I got an idea! Eddie: Does it involve breaking the law? Marianna: By now don’t you think that’s a given? Eddie: I was just trying to be optimistic. Marianna: Don’t bother.

Eddie: This is getting embarrassing. Marianna: Getting? We’re already there!

Eddie: We’ll find another route, it’s not safe for amateur adventurers. Marianna: That sounds like a challenge. Eddie: I have to stress, that is not a challenge. Marianna: ...Is exactly what you say to dissuade the weak of heart from accepting the challenge. Well, challenge accepted! Eddie: There is no challenge!

Eddie: Fine! I don't give a shit! Marianna: You seem to give a lot of shit for someone who claims not to give a shit.

Marianna: We wouldn’t last two minutes without Eddie. Marianna: Marianna: Don’t tell him I said that.

Marianna: I have a problem. Eddie: Kill it. Marianna: Can you chill for like, two seconds?

Marianna: Hey guys, I found a spider. Cool little lad. Thanks for eating the mosquitos. Marianna: Oh no, where did it go? Eddie: MARIANNA WHAT THE FUCK?!

Marianna: You’re mean! Eddie: You’re meaner! Marianna: Yeah, well, you’re ugly too! Eddie: You’re uglier! Marianna: You’re a dumbass! Eddie: You’re a dumberass! Marianna: You think “dumberass” is a good insult!

Eddie: Where are you going? Marianna: Hell, eventually.

Marianna: What's gone wrong, Eddie? Eddie: Hey! That’s one hell of a thing to say to a person. Just because I’m calling doesn’t mean there’s a crisis. Marianna: That’s technically true, I suppose. Why are you calling? Eddie: Well... There’s a crisis.

Eddie: *casually taking four stairs at a time* Marianna, falling behind, taking two stairs at a time: Fuck you fuck you fuck you fuck you fu-

Marianna: Just so everyone knows, don't ever try to climb a tree at night carrying a strobe light, owls DON'T like it. Eddie: ...what happened? Marianna: I made a VERY bad mistake.

Eddie: I’m not so sure you’re stakeout material. Marianna: I’m a chronic insomniac, I was born for this.

Eddie: I don't want to fight you! Marianna: I wouldn't want you to fight me either!

Eddie: I love hearing Marianna shouting at someone else. It makes such a nice change.

[pensivealondra]

Who am I as a Writer?

Although I love poetry, I don't consider myself a poet yet. I let Sylvia Plath speak the words that I'm too afraid to say out loud. Do I consider myself a writer though? Absolutely. It's been a long journey but I'm not afraid to share my thoughts and emotions anymore, for if I hold them in for too long they will overflow.

When I started college I felt more confident in writing, not only for myself but also for others. I've got introduced to new authors such as Flannery O'Connor, who has inspired me to write more short stories. Other people that have shaped me into the writer I am today are my English teachers and professors: Mark, Corinth, Thea, Liz, Sarah, Belinda, Chuck, Lizbette, and the list goes on. My travels and what I've experienced, my cultures and my love matters also influence my writing.

I've also let music influence my writing, one of my favorite singers, Lana del Rey has inspired me to write lyric poetry (which I'm still working on). Fictional characters such as Jo March from "Little Women" have inspired me to pursue my dream of someday becoming an author, I see my reflection in her character. I also see myself in Elena Greco, Elena Ferrante's protagonist in my favorite book series "My Brilliant Friend."

I was already familiar with the term expressivism, which I think is what I've been doing with my writing the whole time, and it is something I will continue doing. Murray's quote "We invent writing and writing invents us" is one of my favorites because it is true, writing shapes us into the writers we are becoming.

Who Have I Been in the Past?

The passion already flowed in my veins but it took me a decade to finally embrace it. J.K. Rowling was my first source of inspiration when I began writing at the age of fourteen. The Harry Potter books not only entertained me but have also inspired me to write. My head was flooded with ideas that I found hard to immortalize with paper and pen. It took time for me to find the courage to begin writing and I did when Mr. Patrick told me to submit for a writing contest. I was afraid at first but he saw potential in me so I submitted my first ever written story "Follow the Stars Hamood." To my surprise, the story got published in a local literary magazine, when I lived in Muscat, Oman (located in the Middle East). Something that has been crafted from the inner workings of my mind has been immortalized, that's when I found faith in myself.

Where I See Myself Going

At the beginning of the year, Mays Publishing published one of my stories "Mexicana Hasta la Raíz," in their online literary magazine. I was filled with joy because this is another step closer to achieving my dream to becoming a published author. I'm an incurable dreamer and I've got big dreams.

After taking this course, I feel more confident with where I see myself going. We the knowledge I achieved by taking this course I feel more prepared to pursue that dream. One thing that I will definitely include in my future as a writer is process, as it is important because as stated by Murray "it is exploratory as it makes the writer make meaning of their own writing, and also help writers learn about themselves. "

Link: https://mayspublishing.com/great-writers

[shawnjacksonsbs]

6-3-23

"When [he] was once asked "which of the people is best?" he replied: "Everyone who is pure of heart and sincere in speech."

&

"He who loves a pure heart and whose speech is gracious will have the king for his friend."

- (I can't remember which is which, but one of these quotes is from Proverbs in the Holy Bible and the other is from the Holy Quran.)

I couldn't decide on a title, either so you pick, then insert above. Lol no lol

Choose either,

- Remember, going out on a limb can be scary, but that's where the best fruit is (thanks J.D.)

Or

- Or is it just imaginary grace? (Thanks Modern English)

Lookin more and more like a note share. With so much on my mind and too many things scattered anyways, it's probably the closest to what the inside of my mind looks like, my exhausted over . . .concerned mind. Lol no lol

~one day

What's the most important thing you've ever done?

Probably, make mistakes.

What's the difference between a mistake and an unfortunate event? I need you all to tell me, for you.

~another day

Mistakes ^

I should clarify that that doesn't mean I look forward to them, (mistakes I mean) but being grateful for the ones who made me, me, certainly are the most important.

~this day was a read. And this next part isn't mine:

"Most of us are not making life-and-death decisions that need an immediate response. Give yourself space to step back from the situation so you can clearly view your emotions."

Is an emotion present?

Hunger.

Anger.

Loneliness.

Tiredness.

Pain.

Stress.

? ?

"Be forewarned. It's like wielding magic powers. It doesn’t make the emotions go away, but you will become a master at surfing the waves that so many people get crushed by."

Think of HALT-PS like a gigantic red stop sign. The moment you notice any of these emotions are present, hit the brakes. You wouldn’t just rip through a stop sign going at full speed because you’re in a rush, so why would you make a rash decision that has a damn good chance of causing you to crash into oncoming traffic?

"HALT-PS creates a buffer between the emotion and the decision. This time delay can be a lifesaver since full-blown emotions are short-lived. Creating a little space means you get a chance to slow down, open your mind, and from a calm state, you can consider the risks that you might have otherwise overlooked."

Reading this helped that day.

~even another day

It's like a big multi-partner tag team in my head lately too. When one person close to my heart steps outta my worry and closer to the light it seems right at the time someone else jumps at the chance to fill the void. Maybe if they knew it's overcrowded between my ears at it doesn't actually cause a vacuum or a void. It's absence is what "normal" is supposed to feel like I think. Lol

Later same day, ~

What it is Earth to Echo?

~Another day

Hmm. "I'm not suggesting he's a racist. I'm saying the racists think he's a racist."

That to me speaks just as loud as. . .SPEAKS VOLUMES.

~And this, which is even another/'nother day

I put this all ❤️ together 🤲.

Still being loud asf about my healing, but secrets keep some of us sick.

I guess that's it guys.

Remember that love and respect should be given freely if given at all. I believe that world citizens should have certain rights, which some still don't (may never have), and that all U.S. citizens should have the same rights I have.

When I say equal I mean it.

I'm glad that those who would infringe on the life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness can be kept in check, which is only because of the balances in place here.

Grateful for what we do have here, as we're about to embark on more small-ish adventures this weekend.

Today will start with coffee with fam, then thr pioneer days thing, and lastly, we're taking one of our younger grandchildren to see Across the Spider-verse. Keep your fingers as it's his first time and we hope he makes it through. Lol

Keep sharing your love and your laughter with the world around you, and keep everyone regardless, in the light.

I love you for being exactly who you're supposed to be.

Until next time;

"It's you I like,

It's not the things you wear,

It's not the way you do your hair

But it's you I like

The way you are right now,

The way down deep inside you

Not the things that hide you,

Not your toys

They're just beside you.

But it's you I like

Every part of you.

Your skin, your eyes, your feelings

Whether old or new.

I hope that you'll remember

Even when you're feeling blue

That it's you I like,

It's you yourself

It's you.

It's you I like.- Mr. Fred Rogers

"The deadly sin [pride] isn’t telling people to not be proud of who they are or their own accomplishments. Pride in that content means preoccupation with self to the detriment of other people and everything around you."

[kevin-coleman]

Silence Is Golden

The clock is ticking in my kitchen, a testament to how great this apartment is.

"What the hell is this fool going on about?" one may ask. Let me elaborate.

About two years ago, I lived in a high rise apartment building that had been erected sometime in the mid-sixties. Building standards in the previous century were not what they are today and as a result architects and builders did not pay as much attention to sound isolation as they could have. I could tell you the score on a soccer game playing in my neighbour's unit by the tenor of the shouting. I could tell you when my upstairs neighbour was under the weather based on the number of times she ran to the bathroom and/or flushed the toilet. The walls were transparent to sound.

It wasn't something that I fretted overly much about because, at the time, that's where I could afford to live. The building was safe and well-maintained and it helped that I spent most of my time outside of the apartment at work, at friends' homes, visiting family. If I was bothered at any time it was not usually for very long.

A few months before the Covid pandemic arrived, a family moved in upstairs with a severely developmentally disabled 4 year old son who had the tic of stomping everywhere he went. It was tough in the evenings, but he usually went to bed around eight o'clock and I could put up with it, but when the lockdowns forced us all indoors the situation quickly became untenable. Stomping nearly all day long on the weekends. Stomping in the morning. Stomping, stomping, stomping.

Before you think of me as a heartless brute, I did have sympathy for the boy's parents. My challenge was nothing compared to what they lived every day, but with the pressure of work and the pandemic I was at my wit's end and I spoke to the landlord about it but there was little he could do. The noise was not malicious or negligent in nature. I agreed, of course, but he got to retreat from the complex's administration office every day and return to his quiet home. I got to go home to the stomping.

I moved out in April 2021 into a "condo style" rental. It is considerably more expensive that what I was paying at the old place, but there are so many more amenities (e.g. en suite full-size washer and drier, among others) that it is worth the expense. The amenity that means the most to me is the ability to hear my kitchen clock ticking away on the wall.

People don't take silence seriously any more. It's taken for granted and all too often destroyed for others by our need to rev our loud engines, listen to our loud music, kill our enemies at full volume and THX digital surround sound on XBox and Playstation. People don't understand how essential peace and quiet is for our mental health. Here is where I would quote some statistic I dug up if I were writing this for Medium but this is a personal article on a personal topic so I will leave it up to you to believe me or not.

Ask yourself this. When is the last time you sat in a room, alone, television off, stereo off, computer off and did nothing? How long could you take the stillness? How long could you take the ticking of the clock? For me and countless people out there the prospect of having at least one part of our day to bask in peace and quiet is a requirement for living. It is a requirement for our mental and emotional well-being. We hold it to be self-evident that peace and quiet--silence--should be enshrined by the U.N. as a human right.

Since I moved to this new apartment two years ago, my mental health has improved significantly because I am better able to sleep at night which improves my ability to cope with work and personal challenges. I've been able to have friends over. I've been reading more. I'm productive at work because I can concentrate at last.

As wonderful as I make it sound, I have to spend a lot more money to enjoy it, so here is my question to any architects and builders out there who might be reading this: Is there a way to retrofit old buildings at a reasonable cost to improve sound isolation? Should we pose the same question to our elected officials? How much of an improvement could we make to society if everyone, regardless of income, had access to a little more peace and quiet in their lives.

[spaceoutdreamer]

A handful of quotes ingrained in my brain because I can do what I want

Nothing is going to save us forever, But a lot of things can save us today.

And the world is forgetting you. And I am remembering you. But not because I care. The beginning is moments ago. The end is moments away. There is no time to forget.

With so much left up to chance, it's hard not to think "what if everything had been different ?".

May we meet under a lovelier sun.

But of course, you knew all of that didn't you ? I just wanted to say it out loud, for no reason.

I am Martin Blackwood, and I am not lonely anymore. I am not lonely anymore. I want to have friends- no, I have friends. I’m in love. I am in love, and I will not forget that. I will not forget.

When you're alone, all you think about is dying. But when there are two of you, all you think about is surviving.

If we want the rewards of being loved we have to submit to the mortifying ordeal of being known.

When I don't have anything else to do here, I retire. Not a drop of water. No sunlight. I let myself dry, from head to toe, until I become a corpse under the leaves. And one day, the little crow says it saw her cry again. So i open my eyes. I drag myself out. Eating snow and licking the rotten water. And my enemies shake. Because seeing me drink again, they understand that I am back.

Jump off cliffs and build your wings on the way down.

If we die, we die cool.

[faeryarchives]

UWAAAA CONGRATS ON THE MILESTONE!!!!!! Quick (unrelated?) note I think you're very cool and seem like a fantastic person to hang around with (+ thank you for feeding us content to gush over!!)

I was gonna ask for no. 100 “There is nothing I would change about you.” with Jamil for your event if you're down for that!! :O (gender neutral please :D)

Have a great day <3333

omg thank you so much anon i feel so happy ahihi i am really glad that you guys are enjoying my works too 🥺

you are perfect (gn!reader)

“there is nothing I would change about you.”

everyone has their own bad days - tripping over air, getting burned from drinking hot coffee and getting splashed by rain water etc. and tthere are several things that can cheer someone up after having a bad day such as buying their favorite food or talking it out right? right.

so why do you still refuse to get up from your bed? jamil couldn't help but let out a heavy sigh.

after gym class, the second year was approached by grim saying that and he quotes that - "(name) has been holing up in their bedroom and wouldn't get out. even the ghosts are getting worried - can you check up on them?" and when he got at the ramshackle dorm with your favorite snacks and drink on hand, his heart ache hearing your cries through your door.

being accustomed from always hanging out in your room, jamil just casually opened the door but the look on his face is not so casual but worried seeing you buried under your blanket.

"(nickname), you don't have to blame yourself for what happened today okay? you just had a very bad day." his voice resounding through the quiet room as his hand gently removed the blanket from you, (eye color) eyes meeting worried charcoal grey ones.

"jamil..." tears start to well up again around your eyes, memories of today's events rushing back in your mind. the vice dorm leader couldn't help but to feel bad - hand reaching out to pull you into his warm embrace. "it's okay, let it out. i am here and ready to listen, my treasure."

"it's because i fucked up so bad jamil. i always try my best to belong here even though i am not originally from this world so no one would make fun of me for being magicless or weak without my friends. but i can't even i achieve anything on my own. why can't i change myself - why am i so useless?"

quiet sobs turn into loud wailing, pouring all the worries and problems that has built up inside of you to your boyfriend. no one could imagine how heavy each of your responsibilities are and he really admires you for being able to achieve your goals.

"you are not useless okay?" jamil gently grab your shoulders making you face each other, his heart aching to see you hurting. he gave you a smile before giving you a soft peck on the cheek. "(name) it's already a big thing that you are here because you keep saving each one of us." you could feel his voice becoming softer and softer each word.

"you saved me. you don't need to change for anyone. there is nothing i can change about you. that is why -" a ray of sunlight reflected the tear escaped through his eye making you gasp.

"you are perfect just the way you are, don't think less of yourself okay?"

"thank you, jamil. really, but stop crying or else i'll cry too!"

"ahahah, sorry sorry. come on eat up or i'll finish them all." cries turn into joyous laughter as the two of you decided to spend the whole afternoon watching your favorite show and soon - you fell asleep on jamil's shoulder. the male brushed his hand on your cheek and kissed your forehead with a smile.

"sweet dreams, my treasure."

ueueue i got a writer's block at the last minute and by the way the event will extend until may 22 >< i haven't been able to update due to personal reasons im so sorry 🙏