#merry bell (brand)

[lichdolly]

Merry Bell - Velveteen Princess Sleeve Shirring OP and Headdress Set (2003)

[seokminfilm]

but he's an angel | yoon jeonghan

🪄 pairing, yoon jeonghan x reader

🪄 warning, model!jeonghan, jeonghan can speak french, romance & fluff, meet cute, reader is in love with this guy (they literally just met), feminine jeonghan, lyr uses feminine features & adjectives when describing jeonghan, teasing (mainly from jeonghan), jeonghan is kind of a nuisance at times (reader is too blinded by love at first sight to notice or care), cute + wholesome

🪄 summary, it's another boring day at the coffee shop you work at─that is, until a pretty korean who can speak shockingly good french asks you for a coffee you don't know how to make.

🪄 author's note, i wrote this because i'm going through jeonghan withdraws again :( it's a bit rushed and not my best work, but i did it for jeonghan and that's all that matters to me tbh!! took a break from writing for dokyeom but we'll be back to our regularly scheduled kyeom tomorrow!! hope you all had a merry christmas lyrnation :>

🪄 now playing, banana shake, hus

The bell jingles cutely as another customer leaves satisfied with a cup of hot, steaming coffee, and you slump against the countertop, social battery already drained from dealing with elderly ladies who couldn't read the menu signs well.

It was yet another boring day at Crème des Anges, the French coffee shop you happened to work at. Your favorite coworker, Joshua, was out sick with the cold, so you had to bear it all on your own, working with one of the older, grumpier ladies of the task force. It left you drained of all life and happiness, having to try not to wince at the lady's bored voice when she answered customers.

The jazz music was sweet when you entered in earlier this morning, but you swore the tracks were on a looping playlist, never stopping. You couldn't tell where one song stopped and other started, and to be honest, you were over trying to figure it out.

After giving a buisness woman extra creamer, you disappeared to the back to try to get a break from the boring, stuffy atmosphere.

Even though the back of the coffee shop was warm and inviting in color and decoration, you felt like you wanted to cry and drool all over the pretty couches and soft, plush chairs. The very cliche slogan of Crème des Anges stood in bold calligraphy, and you sighed, just grimacing at reading it

The cream of the angels is served here!

If the cream of the angels were served in a shockingly opressive coffee house with the same ten jazz tracks and sickening smell of caramel lingering in every nook and cranny of it, you'd pass.

A jingle of the bell begrudgingly led you out to the main counter again, and you dusted yourself off, pasting on your best smile as you recited one of the five default greetings you had to every new customer.

"Welcome to Crème des Anges, where everything is made from the cream of─"

Words fall short of the sight you see in front of you when you blink, but you could afford to try to describe it, right?

The customer has this soft, lazy glow to them─as if it was a haze of some kind. They smelled of vanilla and warmth, and the silky top they were wearing only added to the softness of their disposition. Their hair, as dark and smooth as bitter chocolate, and skin as glassy and clear as a brand-new mirror.

Their eyes were unlike anything you had ever seen─deep and brown with pointed lashes, soft and curling. Their lips were covered in a swipe of glittery, pink lip gloss, shimmering under the coffee shop's lights as they smiled at you sweetly, lips parting to reveal a perfect straight set of pearl-white teeth.

"─Cream of the angels." Their voice is unlike anything you had ever heard─it was a mixture of masculine and feminine, plesant and warm to listen to with a lilt of their special way of talking. They were soft, illuminating your world and the whole coffee shop with their words.

"Yeah, um─Cream...cream of the angels," Your face is burning red, and you clear your thraot, obviously still fazed by the arrival of this magical person. You couldn't even tell whether they were a male or a female, but you found that even more alluring.

The laugh that slipped from their lips was nothing short of melodic, sweet and tangy like tiramisu cake as they stared at you with a playfulness in your eyes. "Even though you were stuttering over your words for a bit there, you got it," The person smiled at you again, and you blushed, laughing autonomously as you tried to get a hold of yourself again.

"Okay, so, uh─um, what would you like today? I could give you recommendations if you want?" You try to resume your assigned lines as normal, but with the pretty stranger's eyes on you, your brain was slower than usual.

They laughed at your slow expression, obviously catching on to what you were thinking. "I'll make it easy on you. You're so flushed; you like like a very cute tomato."

And now the stranger was calling you cute? (A tomato too, but that was besides the point.) You could just die from your now amazing luck.

"What about..." The person trails off, leaving you awaiting for their cream-like voice. "What about an Café au lait?"

Café au lait? You had never heard of a drink like that before. Even though you were in Paris, all they really served is just normal American coffees. You weren't even sure the aformentioned grumpy lady even knew how to make an Café au lait, and you weren't going to ask her either.

Plus, you had to prove your worthiness to this pretty stranger somehow.

"Of course," You comply, putting his order into the system as you slip into third person for a second. Your situation has finally hit you in the face: a pretty stranger has appraoched your coffee shop, and now you're giving it a drink that's not even on the menu?

How down bad are you for this dream of a person?

"What will the name be on that order?" You add just seconds later, and the person adjusts the pricey-looking watch on their wrist as the anwer with a smirk. "Yoon Jeonghan."

No wonder you felt like you were the virgin Mary being visited by the angel Gabriel. The person─the man─you were talking to now was none other than Yoon Jeonghan, the male model popular for his continuous breaking of gender norms and star-studded photoshoots. You weren't one for fashion or makeup, but even you had heard of him, and that was his forte. He was perfect in almost everyway, and here you were, taking his order.

"Yoon Jeonghan, then." You say again, and Jeonghan laughs deviously, eyelashes brushing against his light cheeks as he stares up at you through them.

"It sounds like you just like the sound of my name in your mouth." Jeonghan's voice is cheeky, daring, and you clear your throat, glancing down at your shaking hands as you give an awkward laugh.

Blushing (and unable to deny him), you finish ringing up his order, taking his credit card and finishing the payment as he smiles, thakning you. "I'm really excited to try that Café au lait you're gonna make me. I believe in you."

Oh, no, you think to yourself, giving Jeonghan an awkward smile as you reply with an even awkwarder tone, "You're gonna love it."

Now, there was three things wrong with this situation. One, is the fact that you are now scrambling all over a customer, completely ignoring the rules set up by your boss.

Two, there is no such thing on Café au lait on your menu─you're sure Jeonghan knows it too, and is just waiting to see how you're going to make it happen.

And Three, well, you'd have to learn how to make a Café au lait and how to make a Café au lait fast, because that angel of a boy who's just entered your hellscape of a coffee shop has you in his delicate grip.

A delicate grip you're thrilled to be in, all because he's an angel.

[one-idea]

Maybe consuming media where parallel dimensions exist has rotten my brain. (The spider verse, years of comic book, au fanfics) but worlds were little changes change the whole world are just fascinating to me.

I’ve seen stories were Luffy is the one that dies at Marineford. Where Luffy is the older sibling. Where Shanks or someone else arrives in time to save Ace. I’ve seen Kuina lived and takes Zoro’s place on the straw hats. But what I haven’t seen is a reverse straw hat crew.

Let me explain myself.

Shanks isn’t the only Yonko vacationing in the east blue, Whitebeard takes a break there as well. Meeting a young Ace. This Whitebeard knows his time is limited but sees a future for Ace. He can’t take the boy with him but they promise to meet again one day when Ace is a great pirate, a pirate great enough to take Whitebeard place in the world. The rest of the back story (meeting Luffy, Sabo, everything) stays intact and Ace sets out at age 17. (I was going to have him meet Shanks instead of Luffy but Luffy and Shanks’ relationship is important to me and will play a role later)

Where he meets 17 year old Kuina. (She is 1 year older then Zoro, and he was one year younger then Ace so they would be the same age) in this world Zoro is the one who died. He was the only one who believed that she could be the strongest swordsman, he didn’t care about her gender. They promised that one of them would be the strongest swordsman in the world and then he died. Now at 17 she is on a journey to be the world’s best swordswoman.

The two start traveling together where they meet Nojiko, a thief, she’s an okay navigator but not as good as her sister. She speaks fondly of her sister but doesn’t mention her village (or the pirates there) Ace instantly likes her, no it’s not because he gets to trade stories with her about how great Luffy is vs how great Nami is. Kuina enjoyed their stories but her heart hurts a bit at the fact she doesn’t have the same number of stories of her ‘dumb little sibling.’ But strangely Nojiko only tells stories about young Nami.

They keep going and meet a sickly girl named Kaya. She was visiting the shipyard while they were looking to get a new ship. Kuina recognizes Kaya’s brand new butler as Kuro and none of the crew are going to let him take advantage of Kaya. (Ace and Nojiko are over protective siblings and Kaya is the same age/a year younger than their siblings. And Kuina has to much honor plus she just really likes to fight) they save Kaya but the girl realizes that there is no life for her in Syrup village. There are just to many traumatic memories for her there so she joins the crew. Bring with her a brand new ship and a boat load of beri. (She leaves behind most of her fortune to Usopp and Merry, knowing they will take care of it until Usopp is ready to sail.

The crew travels on to a floating restaurant where they meet red leg Zeff and his apprentice Reiju. Her backstory is the same and Sanji, her and Zeff trapped in an island. It isn’t until much later that the crew finds out about her connections to Germa 66 and what happened to her beloved little brother Sanji.

The Baratie arc goes about the same with Kuina getting defeated by Mihawk, and Nojiko stealing the boat and the money.

They track Nojiko down and find out what Arlong did to her village. How he killed her sister to send a message to the village and imprisoned her mother. Using Bell-meré’s Marine knowledge to expand his territory and threatening Nojiko and the villages lives to keep her cooperating. So much about Nojiko makes sense. How she only tells stories about young Nami, why she cared so much about Kaya’s money. As they learn about her trying to buy her village back.

Arlong obviously breaks their deal. How can he keep Bell-meré in line without her daughter and village as leverage.

Needless to say Ace, Kuina, and Reiju burn the place to the ground (Kaya helps as she can but she’s still getting used to fighting)

They sail on with Bell-meré’s blessing.

When they get to the grand line they meet two fools named Mr. Nine and Miss Wednesday. But it’s not what you think. Mr. Nine is Koza. Vivi told him about the danger their country was in and he went in her stead. (At this time he is 17 and she is 13, but when he left he would have been 15 and she 11)

The crew agrees to help him, (Ace is thrilled to have another dude on the team) when they meet a mysterious women with white hair called Miss All Sunday. The encounter is very similar to Robin’s introduction.

They sail on to little Garden. Kaya has a great time meeting the giants (thrilled to tell Usopp about them one day) but also starts to really work on mastering a weapon.

They leave with a slowly sickening Nojiko. They stop at Drum Island to get her help where they meet and eccentric Doctor who helps them. His name? Dr. Hiriluk. He tells them about how he was deathly ill when his son cured him by accidentally giving him a Devil fruit. A Zoan type fruit. Specifically the, reindeer model. Unfortunately his son was killed by Drum’s island king for being a ‘monster’

Needless to say Wapol gets his butt handed to him. Dr. Hitiluk, seeing his country free and his dream fulfilled decided to join up with the crew to live out Chopper’s dream of curing all diseases.

They continue on, freeing Arabasta. With Koza staying behind to help rebuild his country, but he might rejoin 👀. As their sailing away someone makes themselves know. The mysterious white hair woman is on their ship and joining their crew, her name? Nico Olivia.

I’ll cover more of this later. I have so many ideas. But all of this to say. Imagine this crew meeting the straw hat crew. Something crosses their Dimensions into one another and Luffy gets to see Ace, Zoro gets to see and adult Kuina. Nami gets to see Nojiko and hear about their mother’s blessing their life of piracy. Usopp and Kaya meeting when both of them are competent warriors of the sea. Reiju reuniting with Her brother Sanji (I haven’t even told you what happened to Sanji in this world!) Chopper and Hiriluk. Robin and Olivia.

(I did this for Ace and Luffy and Zoro and Kuina but I think Sanji, Robin and Chopper will rip my heart out more)

Let me know what you think.

Master post

Part 1/2

Part 2

Part 3

Part 4

[whichstoodonrockyshores]

"Merry Christmas, You Filthy Animal."

Happy holidays to @iristhepng, I'm your Secret Santa for the @gtafest exchange.

There was a reason Niko was the designated driver for his loved ones. Inside of Packie’s damned red Comet, two men roared down the streets of Liberty.

His hand gripped the overhead handle, so tightly his knuckles were white. Niko felt his back crack as Packie turned harshly yet again. The tires squealed as they struggled to make traction on the wet road. Snow was falling, barely enough to stick to the ground, but enough to get the ground slippery. Liberty Rock Radio was blasting; something by Mötley Crue, and Packie loved it. He whooped and parked the car in Star Junction. He had a huge smile on his face, a rare treat. Niko finally let go of the handle, gripping his chest as he took a deep breath. 

And Niko thought he was a questionable driver, fuck.

“Only place open on Christmas is Cluckin' Bell, Niko. You in the mood for that?” Packie asked, looking in Niko’s direction. He turned the radio down and buttoned up his coat, ready for a Christmas walk around Star Junction.

“Sure. Maybe I should drive us home, though?”

“If you wanna. Just don’t crash my Comet. I spent my hard-earned cash on this, don’t want some Slav totaling it so soon,” Packie said, patting the steering wheel of his car. Niko rolled his eyes… This was Packie’s big purchase after the bank robbery. A brand new red Comet. Niko would never understand the American obsession with flashy cars. His favorite cars were ones with low gas mileage, cheap to fix, and simple to hotwire in a pinch.

“I won’t crash.”

“How am I supposed to trust ya, though? You don’t have a license.” Packie tried to hold the car door open, but Niko wasn’t having any of that. He shook his head and got out of the Comet by himself. 

“And you do. Enough said.”

“Can’t argue with you there, Niko-boy. Fuck me, it is cold…” Packie blew onto his hand, in a futile attempt to warm them. The other man grabbed his hand, not allowing time for doubt or hesitation. Niko knew how shy Patrick could be about the softer side of their relationship. He often insisted they weren’t even a real couple, just friends with benefits. 

That would only be true if the benefits stretched to include pizza dinner dates at Niko’s penthouse, or romantic walks around Meadows Park. Not that Niko didn’t see those as benefits… but he would never do that with a fling. Or even a friend. Nor would he do this with a friend. Holding hands while walking around Star Junction. 

“This place has changed a lot since I was a kid. Used to feel…realer, I guess,” Packie said, speaking in a quieter voice, looking at the painfully bright advertisements. The snow almost made the screens harsher to look at, the colors bleeding into Niko and Packie’s eyes, “Now it’s a fucking playground. Fake. And I heard they’re making it pedestrian-only soon. Fuck that.”

Niko nodded along. He didn’t care much for Star Junction, one way or another, but Packie clearly had some nostalgia for it. This was his home, after all, “Really? Why is that?” 

“Hell if I know. Change the city some more, why don’t they? Maybe next, they’ll replace the grass in Middle Park with astroturf. Go all in on the fakeness.”

Niko stayed silent, and simply nodded along with Packie’s complaints. The two entered the Cluckin Bell and ordered two Fowlburgers. It tasted like chemicals and shame like it always did. 

“Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, these things suck ass,” Packie stated firmly, chewing with his mouth open. He hardly even realized he was doing it, manners were never his strong suit, “But with you, it almost tastes good.”

“They do. I think that is just the extra Christmas chemicals they put in.”

“Damn right.”

They finished eating and returned to the cold, harsh outside. Packie stole Niko’s hand this time, neither commenting on the action. He led the way, past the red Comet, and further up the sidewalk. His lips were pursed, nervous, as he walked with Niko.

“Patrick, where are you taking me?” Niko queried, with a small grin growing on his lips, “You passed the car.”

“I know that! Just follow me. I, uh, want to show you… somethin’.”

Niko watched the shorter man walk swiftly. The wind blew directly in their faces, the snow in their eyes. Packie heaved onward and stopped at a small store. A small, decorative version of the Nativity scene, the kind both Niko and Packie had seen many times before. This one was not spectacular, or noteworthy at all.

“This is it?”

“Yeah. I’m an artist, Niko, I see things different.”

Niko coughed, shocked at both the man’s words and behavior, “You have never called yourself an artist before. What is it, Packie? Is this your way of asking if you can come to my apartment?”

Packie looked on, then away, like Niko had caught him in the act. So that was it. He wanted more time with his boyfriend, not wanting to return home to the chaos and vitriol that was waiting for him. Packie had skipped Christmas Mass and dinner to even be here with Niko; no doubt his mother was waiting back in Dukes to give him a long lecture about the importance of church, family, and Christ.

“You could have asked. Let’s go back to the car, warm up a bit.”

“Sorry. You know I suck at askin’ for shit,” Packie mumbled, walking swiftly with Niko back to the car. The wind was at their backs, this time, “Didn’t wanna get in the way of your Christmas. I thought you and Roman were gonna do shit together.”

“No,” he stated simply, “Roman is with Mallorie’s family. You know I don’t mind having you over, Patrick.”

“Yeah, but…” Packie groaned, “Fuck you. You’re too nice to me, damn prince, how am I supposed to act around ya?”

“Like yourself. How else?”

Packie had nothing to say to that, and nothing to say at all until the two returned to Niko’s Algonquin apartment. It was warm inside, and somewhat decorated. Roman had insisted on a Christmas tree, despite Niko’s protests that once it was put up, neither cousin would remember to take it down after the holiday season. The colorful fairy lights set the mood well.

“Nice tree, Niko,” Packie commented, taking his jacket off. He made himself comfortable on Niko’s couch.

“I don’t understand how your mother puts up so many decorations. I was sick of them after just putting this tree up with Roman.” Niko sat next to Packie.

“Ha, she usually makes us do it. Says it’s good for family bonding. Like us kids at home can get more fucking bonded,” Packie rolled his eyes, “Derrick didn’t show, shocker, I know. He’s done nothing but break Ma’s heart since 1988.”

“Still getting high on park benches?” Niko asked, always curious about Packie’s family. 

“Who the fuck knows. He doesn’t even answer my damn calls anymore.”

Niko nodded. Finally more comfortable on the couch, he wrapped an arm around Packie. Packie’s eyebrows tilted, anxiety-ridden, as he did the same. 

“You don’t gotta do all this…fruity shit with me, Niko. The touching and kissing, I mean. I don’t expect it from you,” Packie explained, “I’d almost prefer it if you didn’t. Then it’d be less real. This ain’t supposed to be real.”

Niko observed him. Tried to get a read on what Patrick was thinking. 

“I ain’t gay. Or, or maybe I fucking am! I’m so damn confused, about this, about everything! Fuck!” Packie yelled, irate at himself. He leaned on Niko, wanted his comfort, even if the desire was subconscious.

Niko was one to give him that comfort. He rubbed Packie’s shoulder, pulling him closer. Packie looked away, frustrated.

“I know you are confused. You’ve told me before,” he said, sounding tired, “I don’t have the answers you’re looking for, Patrick.”

“Of course you don’t. It ain’t ever that simple…” Packie leaned onto Niko. Their whole bodies were pressed up on each other, now. Niko nodded, picked up the remote, and flicked his television on. Neither felt like conversing at the moment, and the sounds of obnoxious commercials and a young Macaulay Culkin attempting to murder two bulgers filled the silence well.

“Is this a Christmas movie?” Niko questioned, not having seen many Christmas movies before. Especially not one that seemed strangely violent.

“Yeah. Home Alone,” Packie explained, looking a bit less frustrated, “Was always the only Christmas movie I could stand, ‘cause the kid is so violent. Every other one is too sappy and full of shit for me.”

“I could see you doing something similar as a child,” Niko said, smiling a bit. Packie chuckled, finally calming down and closing his eyes. He reached into the pocket of his jeans and pulled out a small box.

“I got you a gift. For Christmas,” Packie mumbled, handing Niko the box, “Take it before I change my mind.”

Packie looked embarrassed. The color in his cheeks darkened to pink, and his eyes darted away from Niko. Whatever the gift was, it was poorly wrapped. The other man was shocked, Packie had never mentioned exchanging presents before.

“I didn’t know you would buy me something,” Niko said, smiling a little as he took it.

“Yeah. It’s a surprise, numb nuts, just fuckin’ take it.”

Niko rolled his eyes, ripped off the paper, and opened the box. It was a Swiss Army knife, small and practical. He couldn’t help but smile a little. An actual thoughtful gift was the last thing Niko was expecting, but…

“Do you like it?” Packie asked, a bit nervous, “I thought someone like you would appreciate that sorta thing. I know I do.”

“Yes, I do. Thank you.”

“Don’t mention it.”

The couple made eye contact. That only lasted a few seconds before their lips smashed together. Packie was aggressive as always. His hands wandered to Niko’s shoulders, gripping tight. Niko groaned and pulled back after a moment. Packie had a cheeky grin on his face.

“You kiss like you want to suck my tongue out.”

“Yeah, and I’m amazing at it, ain’t I?” Packie said, smirking cockily.

Niko rolled his eyes, and kissed Patrick again, smiling into it. He kept it gentle, or he tried to. Packie pulled back this time, groaning.

“You kiss like a fucking queer.”

Niko didn’t respond to that accusation. They just looked into each other's eyes, a certain tenderness to the look. Packie had no more quips. He stayed quiet, for once, simply contemplating. He frowned, and hugged Niko, his head resting on the crook of the man’s neck.

“Merry Christmas. Don’t know if I’ve said that yet today,” Packie’s voice was softer than usual. Sincere in its meaning. 

“Merry Christmas, Patrick.”

[maddie-grove]

Most Common Problems Faced by My Childhood Dolls (Grouped by Type of Doll)

Baby/Companion Dolls: life-threatening diseases; bullying by other dolls at school; my dubious discipline style; my divorce from my imaginary husband Jake.

Groovy Girls: bullying by other Groovy Girls; life-altering gymnastics accidents; feet too unwieldy for go-go boots.

Barbies: false witchcraft accusations; real witches; tuberculosis; kidnapping; the time Ken and his brother Adam started a polygamous cult; bullying by other Barbies (whether in a normal high school or a beauty pageant or a cult); basically anything bad that happened to female movie stars in Hollywood under the studio system; the challenges of raising a million Chrissies and Kellies and Stacies and Skippers and similarly sized off-brand child dolls with little help from Ken or Adam; sibling rivalry (including an East of Eden-style mess between Ken and Adam).

Dollhouse Families: my friend Emily C. (I was Emily S.) stealing the mom doll from my old Fisher-Price family, leaving John (the dad) a widower, so when I got a new family a few years later, I decided that John should marry Patricia, the mom of the new family, which made it necessary for me to interpret Robbie (almost certainly meant to be a dad doll) as Patricia's teenage son, which was obviously very emotionally confusing for Robbie and exacerbated the usual tensions of a newly blended family.

Clothespin Dolls: Nancy, Alice, and Lily, the three charming clothespin dolls made by my genuinely talented great-aunt Beth in the 1960s or 1970s, were grown-up sisters who had a complicated dynamic (both Nancy and Lily had serious psychological and/or substance abuse issues, so Alice had to take care of them and Nancy's children and her own children) and also experienced nineteenth-century-literature-style problems, like diphtheria and ice-skating accidents and bear attacks. The clothespin dolls that I created myself as a tween/young teen were not as well-made, but their problems were generally limited to normal high school bullshit (not even the kind where you get poisoned or kidnapped!).

Miscellaneous Medium-Sized Figurines (mostly fast food toys of Disney characters and mini-Barbies): various passive-aggressive rivalries between groups (mini-Barbies vs. movie/TV characters, Disney vs. non-Disney, movie vs. TV, protagonist vs. non-protagonist, etc.); a lack of eligible bachelors (leading to unwise marriages, such as Belle from Beauty and the Beast marrying a temperamental Space Jam monster); ennui.

Playmobils: the Playmobils had a nearly utopian society, relatively free from poverty and class snobbery, and generally this diverse group of Union soldiers, stuffy Victorians, pirates, outlaws, royalty, horse girls, milkmaids, and fairies were able to work out their differences peacefully. However, all that progressive modernity had a dark side, most clearly illustrated by the Kafkaesque ordeal of Oliver, a boy who was imprisoned for no discernable reason by an evil psychiatrist and his social worker girlfriend despite the desperate efforts of his mother to free him. Intense wartime romances and infectious disease outbreaks were also common themes.

Fisher-Price Great Adventure Action Figures: these rather hideous but very fun toys (consisting of an anachronistic mix of knights, pirates, cowboys, and Robin Hood's Merry Men) belonged to my seven-years-younger brother, so we would play with them a lot while I was looking after him. Naturally there was a lot of military conflict and criminal activity built into our play (will Robin Hood and his friends be able to steal the treasure from the castle? Will the golden knights or the black knights win the big battle? Who will stop the stagecoach robberies?), but, to entertain myself, I would introduce storylines such as "the Golden Sword Knight is tired of being bullied by the other knights, so he runs away and goes to live in the forest with Robin Hood's gang, where he falls in love with a female outlaw" and "Little John starts a AC/DC-style rock band with two of the black knights and everyone hates it."

Fisher-Price Little People: easily the most provincial of the doll groups, the Fisher-Price Little People struggled with extreme class/wealth inequality, widespread adultery, child abuse, teen homelessness, practically non-existent resources for the disabled, sexual repression, a character known only as "The Pervert," and a killer clown. Every day they went to school and work, and every night they tried to find someone to hook up with and maybe got kidnapped. I only wish my brother and I had been in possession of the motel playset. Think of all the extramarital affairs and drug deals that could have happened there!

Polly Pockets: the Polly Pocket community was dominated by two wealthy factions, a nouveau riche pair of brothers with a beach party house and the royal family. Due to a severe job and housing shortage, plus the local men's habit of not acknowledging their natural children, ordinary Polly Pockets had to struggle and scrape. Compared with the Barbies, there was a lot of solidarity among women (and also Josh, the one working-class boy Polly Pocket). Many of the Polly Pockets were very fragile, including the alcoholic Cowgirl Becky and the agoraphobic piano player Penny.

Paper Dolls: intense status jockeying over who had the most/best clothes, mainly. They also fought about friendships and (if there were any of them) boys, but it ultimately came down to clothes.

[ultrameganicolaokay]

Shiver SuspenStories (one-shot) by Jason Aaron, Kano, Bill Elder, Ben H. Winters, Peter Krause and more. Variant covers by (1) Adam Hughes and (2) Jay Stephens. Main cover (3) by Darick Robertson. Out in December.

"THIS HOLIDAY SEASON, TERROR COMES CALLING WITH 56 PAGES OF SHOCKING CHILLS FROM AN ALL-STAR CAST OF EC'S FINEST FIENDS! Just in time for Christmas, Oni Press and EC Comics are proud to present Shiver SuspenStories #1 — the FIRST in an ALL-NEW series of extra-sized EC specials colliding tales of horror, science fiction, and powerfully potent suspense in one joyously wrapped package that may or may not be leaking something strange under the Christmas tree... Featuring brand-new tales of merry dismemberment and yuletide destruction from writers Jason Aaron (Thor), Ben H. Winters (CBS' Tracker), and more, with artists Kano (Gotham Central), Peter Krause (Irredeemable), and more — plus a newly remastered and authentically restored holiday classic from the EC vaults! Get ready to hear those SLAY BELLS RING — AIN'T IT SICKENING?!"

[theretirementhome]

What Child Is This?

2023. WHOSE child is this? GET IT THE EFF OUT OF HERE. Jesus Christ. Consider this your invitation to disassociate for 2 hours with every favorite Christmas song I could coherently stuff into one long megamix. All killer, no filler. Here's to 2024 not being such a little dickhead.

https://www.mixcloud.com/jessprice/what-child-is-this/

Image via @weirdchristmas

Tracklist:

Dorothy Remsen - On An Old Christmas Song (Silent Night)

The Crossing - Prelude: Adam

The Swingle Singers - Medley: Deck the Hall with Boughs of Holly / What Child Is This?

Les Petits Chanteurs De La Renaissance - Le Messie Vient De Naitre

The Annapolis Brass Quintet - O Holy Night

Urbie Green - Ave Maria

Anne Phillips Choir - Touro Louro Louro

Roberto Perera & Juan Areco - Joy

High Spirits, Past And Present-Youth Of Holy Spirit Parish - Virgin Mary Had A Baby Boy

The Dixie Humming Birds - The Holy Baby

The Roy Meriwether Trio - Jingle Bells (Part I)

The Flirtations - Christmas Time is Here Again

The Supremes - Twinkle Twinkle Little Me

The Staples Singers - Who Took The Merry Out Of Christmas

The Jack Brokensha Quartet - Do You Hear What I Hear?

Brook Benton - You're All I Want For Christmas

Joe Tex - I'll Make Everyday Christmas (For My Woman)

Roy Smeck and His Island Quartet - Winter Wonderland Vol. 2

Johnny Selph - All I Want For Christmas Is My Baby

Ed McCurdy And The Harvesters - (Tonight Is Christmas Eve) Get Along Home Cindy

Gene & Jerry - Hootenanny Christmas

Richard Gillis - C.B. Santa Claus

Dave Dudley - Six Tons Of Toys

The Smothers Brothers With Childrens Chorus - The Toy Song

Marc Haney - Christmas Song

Rhys O'Brien - Christmas Morning

Kenny Rogers And The First Edition - Joy (Jeso, Joy Of Man's Desiring)

Chaquito - Carol Of The Bells

Sacha Distel - Ding, Ding, Dong (Jingle Bells)

Cincinnati Symphony Members With Mac Frampton-Soloist - Jingle Bells 

Les Paul and Mary Ford - Jungle Bells (Dingo-Dongo-Day)

Edmundo Ros - My Favorite Things

Walt Harper - Silent Night

The Ramsey Lewis Trio - Mary's Boy Child

Raindolls - Disco Santa Claus

Hot Chocolate - Brand New Christmas

Moonlion - Little Drummer Boy

Geoff Bastow - God Rest Ye

Hot & Sassy - Christmas Strutt

The Next of Kin - Merry Christmas

Freddie Mitchell Orchestra Featuring Rip Harrigan - Auld Lang Syne Boogie

Washington High School Acappella Choir - We Wish You The Merriest

David Axelrod - Hallelujah

Airforce Broadcast Services - Slide Whistle And Pop

Airforce Broadcast Services - Ho, Ho

[autistic-writer-angel]

OCtober Day 18

Prompt: Labyrinth

Words: 814

Canon to my other stories: Yes

Additional notes: This one takes place before Angel meets the Octonauts. Again, I had no ideas for this one.

Credit to @apromptingwewillgo for the prompts.

Labyrinth

“Summer! Summer! Summer!” some of the kids began to chant, like the scene in High School Musical 2.

Angel joined in. “Summer! Summer! Summer! Summer!”

The glorious sound of the bell chimed through the school.

Cheers rang throughout the classroom. Papers were thrown into the air. Kids leapt to their feet. For some of them, year three was over. For others, like Angel, year four was over. And for all of them, school was over for another year.

Mr. Jensen smiled and could only just be heard over the din: “Merry Christmas, everyone! Have a happy and safe holidays! And happy birthday, Angel!”

Nine-year-old Angel Bingham beamed. Next week was her tenth birthday. Double figures! It was a big deal. Plus, she felt special having her birthday on Christmas Day.

“Go on!” Mr. Jensen laughed, pointing to the door. “Get out of here!”

The year threes and fours stampeded out of the door and into the corridor to collect their school bags. It was crowded and the noise was terrific.

“See ya, Luke!”

“Merry Christmas, Natalie!”

“Hey, James! You still coming over tomorrow?”

“Bye, Karly!”

“I’m so excited for Christmas! I’m getting a new PlayStation!”

“Wait! Lily! You forgot this!”

Loaded down with pieces of work left over from the year; chocolates and candy canes and a brand new leather bound journal from Mr. Jensen, Angel ran out into the hallway too. She shoved everything into her purple backpack. (It was only a few months old; the WALL-E one she’d have before had pretty much fallen apart.) She didn’t want to waste another second inside the school building. She wasn’t even going to look back; she was out of there until January!

“What are you doing these holidays, Angel?”

Angel looked up from zipping up her backpack. It was her best and only friend, Daniel.

“Well, it’s my birthday next week”, she reminded him as she headed down the steps. “And I think we’re taking a trip around the South Pacific. I really hope we get to go to Fiji… What about you?”

“It’s my birthday on January eleventh”, Daniel began.

“I know.” He would be eleven; they were in the same grade, but he was almost a year older than Angel. “I’m pretty sure we’ll still be on our trip then, but happy birthday for then. And merry Christmas!”

“Thanks! Merry Christmas and happy birthday to you too!”

“Thanks! See ya!”

“See ya!”

Why was her classroom so far away from the entrance where her mother picked her up? With so many screaming, happy kids, it was like a labyrinth!

When Angel reached the bottom of the steps, she plunged into the chaos. She felt like she was on an intense mission and the reward was summer holidays!

The nine-year-old ducked her head and weaved past her classmates and the year fives and sixes who were at the other end of the building. The year fives were acting pretty much the same way her classmates were. A lot of the year sixes, on the other hand, were hugging and crying. After all, it was their last day and they would be going to different high schools.

Angel dodged two year fives who were just stepping back with their bags, almost losing her balance. She stopped just in time to prevent herself from colliding into a year six: Claire, one of Benji’s friends.

Claire turned around and smiled. “Merry Christmas, Angel!”

“Thanks! You too!”

Angel squeezed past two year sixes, Rochelle and Phoebe, whom she worked with for the school production of The Wizard of Oz. Then… she stepped into the sunlight! She’d made it! She’d gotten through the labyrinth and she was free! Let the holidays- and the fun!- begin!

She sprinted to the edge of the school grounds, outside of which, several cars were parked. Ignoring the laughter and snide remarks about her running, she spotted her mother’s emerald green car and made a beeline for it. Grace was already in the front seat and Skylar was in the middle seat.

“Hi, Mum!” Angel called, grinning as she slid to her spot in the very back.

“CAREFUL!” Sally yelled. “Don’t slam the door!”

Angel pouted and her good mood vanished. “Sorry!”

“Guess what!” Grace turned around and smiled at Angel. “You finished year four!”

That brought Angel’s grin back. “Yeah!”

She flipped open her leather bound journal and read again what Mr. Jensen had written on the first page.

Dear Angel,

Congratulations on a sensational year!

Best of luck with your future adventures. Merry Christmas and happy birthday!

Mr. Jensen

Future adventures! Angel repeated in her head excitedly. Who knew what those might be! When she came back, she would be a year five. It sounded so grown-up and important.

But for now, she was on holiday. And she planned to enjoy every second of it.

[acaplaya-musings]

Voiceplay Visuals - Christmas Don't Be Late (The Chipmunk Song)

VoicePlay didn't actually release a full-length Christmas song in 2021 (just a couple of Christmas Minis instead), and so we're jumping ahead to the 3rd of December, 2022, when VoicePlay released what may in fact be my favourite Christmas song cover of theirs ever!

As a group, VoicePlay have had quite a lot of experience with performing this song over the years, as it was a regular part of their setlist when they used to perform at Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party at Walt Disney World. If you wanna learn more about that, check out these posts by @jules-has-notes linked HERE and HERE (and I hope Jules doesn't mind me tagging them but seriously their blog has *so much* stuff about old VoicePlay stuff, further back than I go that's for sure!)

Anyway, the original arrangement for this song, i.e. the one VP used for live performances, was done by a guy called Chris Diaz, who is (was?) in an acapella group himself, but Geoff made quite a few alterations to the song/arrangement himself, and so both him and Chris are credited with the arrangement! Geoff was also in charge of the video, he co-directed it with Tony, and yes, he added additional music bits and original lyrics of his own, because of course he did 😄

And of course the song features the amazing DeeJay Young, but enough talking, let's get into this!

First of all, love the way VoicePlay started the song with the kinda "old-timey" effect on the visuals (and the audio too!). They did something similar for the start of Sh-Boom and In The Air Tonight, and did it for a brief moment in We're Good as well.

Second of all, do you recognise the set? You should! It's the same one Geoff used for his Way Down video, just with a bit of added Christmas flair!

Not the most perfect screenshot but I just had to give a shoutout for how Geoff suddenly runs into the shot. Like seriously neither words nor individual screencaps do it justice but I find it very amusing 😝

(Also, Eli is again weaing black sneakers with thick white soles)

Cesar as Alvin is literally perfect casting honestly. Like nobody else could do it better.

(Also Cesar was in fact genuinely filming stuff on his phone during this bit, and that footage got included in the BTS video for this cover, and it's just as entertaining and hilarious as you'd expect)

I want that shirt

DeeJay is looking pretty stylish there too! (And yes Cesar also looks great in his blazer)

Alright so Layne is Dave (the human guy character), Cesar is Alvin, Deejay is Theodore, Eli is Simon, and Geoff is... Geoff? 😂😅

"ALVIIINNNN!!!!!"

(*pfft*)

*ding*

(Yeah this video definitely still makes me laugh 😂)

"Alvin! Stop riffing so much and stick to the music!"

Unfair! DeeJay and Eli do heaps of riffing all the time! (And we love them for it, lol)

Also I don't know what the sheet music "says" in terms of the music notes, but I love that it at least appears to be a legit page of sheet music for the song, complete with VoicePlay logo at the top!

"So listen for those nine reindeer!"

Also it's not a visual thing, but given that quite a few reactors didn't seem to notice/realize it, I gotta point out that the sleigh bell/jingle bell sound here is very much done by Layne! Probably with a little bit of post-production effect, but still, very impressive!

"A brand new bottle of hair gel!"

"A bright green dress like ✨Tinkerbell!✨"

*PFFT*

This line is specifically a reference to the fact that they used to perform this song at Disney World, as I mentioned at the start, but this line has also been used in some of their older performances of it too I believe?

Also whenever I sing this song to myself, I literally can NEVER, sing the "bright green dress like Tinkerbell" line, because I always start laughing every time!

"Dooon't be la-ate!"

(I think he really wants that dress you guys 😉😝)

*sigh* He's so pretty and handsome, I love him (look, about 90% of my Voiceplay Visuals posts involve at least one moment of me pointing out how good Geoff looks! I apologise for nothing!)

(Also it took a decent bit of restraint for me to not include even more Geoff screenshots in this just because)

"So put your sleigh in- (so put your sleigh in its top gear!)"

I don't think I've actually noticed this bit before but damn Cesar ain't messing around! He wants presents NOW! 😂

"A tweet from Musk would make me grin!" (heavy grimacing)

I actually checked the lyrics for this song cover on Spotify (back before Spotify made lyrics available only to Premium users, rip), and this line is actually changed for the audio-only version it seems, to "a gift from mom would make me grin", which is fair, because the very faked sincerity of this line wouldn't convey as easily without the visuals.

"Front row seats to Hamilton!"

VoicePlay are no stranger to including references to modern day media stuff in their Christmas Don't Be Late performances, but this is also a not-super-subtle shoutout to the fact that DeeJay was on tour as a cast member in Hamilton! (And still is performing in Hamilton I believe?) He's been playing the role of Aaron Burr I believe? Which is very very impressive, shoutout to DeeJay!

"We can hardly wait!"

(Also hey is that a little Eli Eyebrow Raise I see?)

And I have to give a shoutout to the bridge section of this cover - another Geoff Castellucci original, it's so good! Fits in perfectly, as all his lyrics do! (Original song WHEN?)

"I've been so wonderful!"

I love how the responses of reactors to this moment have been a mix of "aww yes you have Cesar!" and "hmmm I'm not so sure (light-hearted) but I still love you regardless" 😄😁

Get it Cesar! Love the dancing!

Only just noticed Eli has the Hamilton booklet thing shoved in the back pocket of his jeans, lol

Cesar what are you doing? 😆

"Great job, chipmunks! Even you, Alvin! Now let's try it with some helium!"

*pfft*, what a way to end the video honestly

Geoff looks confused, Eli looks uncertain/doubtful (another Eli Eyebrow Raise!), DeeJay looks like he's either down for it or hasn't fully processed it, and Cesar looks HORRIFIED XD

(Also what would Geoff even sound like on helium when singing bass? Normal? /j 😂)

So that's Christmas Don't Be Late! VoicePlay turned a song that's really quite short, slow, and overall fairly forgettable, into an absolute bop and banger, and the video is super fun as well. Like seriously, this is one song that no one else has done or will do in the same way that VoicePlay has, and that's a big part of what I love about it! Until next time!

[sunnydaleherald]

The Sunnydale Herald Newsletter, Sunday, December 29th

Spike: Can—can we rest now? Buffy...can we rest?

~~Beneath You~~

[Drabbles & Short Fiction]

Alone (Buffy/Spike, PG/K+) by apachefirecat

Nightmares (Giles/Jenny, G) by HAL1500

Equipoise (Buffy & Faith, not rated) by Nymue

Go Ahead and Fall Apart (Buffy/Spike, Explicit) by bunniesarebad

Circles of Light (Buffy, Faith, Scoobies, Angel Investigations, not rated) by Nymue

Keep My Promises (Buffy/Spike, not rated) by smells_corrupt

close your eyes just settle, settle (Faith/Amy, M) by explosionshark

Take a Shot (Buffy/Faith, T) by explosionshark

Primal Belongings (Buffy/Giles, Explicit) by prairiekretch

Where's a Spooky Mask When You Need One? (Buffy/Spike, not rated) by smells_corrupt

Remote Controlled (Buffy/Spike, PG-13) by veronyxk84

Someone to explain (Buffy/Spike, PG-13) by Magic Box Moon

Better Not Pout (Buffy/Spike, PG) by BewitchedXx

Snowfall and Second Chances (Buffy/Spike, NC-17) by Acb6293

A Ghost of a Chance (Buffy/Spike, NC-17) by Geliot99

Remote Controlled (Buffy/Spike, PG-13) by VeroNyxK84

Making Memories (Buffy/Spike & Dawn, T) by veronyxk84

[Chaptered Fiction]

Three Deep episode 8: "Ain't Going Down the Well No More" (Buffy, Spike, Giles, Wesley, T) by dutchbuffy

Be Not Afraid (Xander/Oz, past Xander/Anya, T) by gothicgrrl1976

The Order of Chaos, Ch. 1-2 (Buffy/Faith, M) by StakeAndEggs

A brand new day, Ch. 1-17 (Xander, Willow, DCU crossover, T) by dogbertcarroll

A Soul Connection Part 1: Dream A Little Dream of Me (Angel x Faith, M) by MissRed111

Stupid Thing, Ch. 9 (Buffy/Spike, R) by Misti

The Degradation of Duality, Ch. 68 (Buffy/Spike, NC-17) by Ragini

Be Back Before Dawn, Ch. 21 (Buffy/Spike, NC-17) by Blissymbolics

The Metamorphosis of Moonlit Shadows, Ch. 4 (Buffy/Spike, NC-17) by SlayrGrl

Shadows of Time, Ch. 1-2 (Buffy/Spike, R) by Naenae000

Rude Awakenings, Ch. 3 (Buffy/Spike, NC-17) by Melme1325

Sending My Love from The Other Side of the Apocalypse, Ch. 5 (Buffy/Spike, NC-17) by cawthraven

Dungeon Designs and House Keeping, Ch. 43 (Tara, FR18) by MistofRainbows

Aegis, Ch. 38-42 (Xander, DC comics crossover, FR15) by dogbertcarroll

Inner Daemons, Ch. 12 (ensemble, anime crossover, FR15) by batzulger

The Long Way Home, Ch. 2 (Andrew, FR15) by phouka

Dawn Rising, Ch. 81 (Silmarillion crossover, Buffy, FR15) by Luna

Christmas at the Folly, Ch. 6 (COMPLETE!) (Buffy/Spike, 13+) by myrabeth

You Have Died of Dysentery, Ch. 2 (Buffy/Spike, R) by Girlytek

The Science of Being Yours, Ch. 13-15 (Buffy/Spike, NC-17) by Maxine Eden, ClowniestLivEver

I Do! Ch. 42 (Buffy/Spike, NC-17) by Dusty

Way Out, Ch. 3 (Buffy/Spike, R) by simmony

The Watcher, Ch. 36 (Buffy/Spike, NC-17) by In Mortal

[Images, Audio & Video]

Enamel pins: William the Bloody, Mohra demon, Clem, Sid, Gnarl, D'Hoffryn, Der Kindestod, The Judge and other wares (worksafe) by SlayerSensations

Manip: Merry Christmas (Buffy/Spike, worksafe) by veronyxk84

Icons: 🎨 Icons of 2024 Masterpost (Buffy, Buffy/Spike, other characters, worksafe) by veronyxk84

Gifset: Spuffy + TV Love Tropes (pt. I) (Buffy/Spike, probably NSFW) by clarkgriffon

Crafts: Spuffy bedroom diorama - Ch. 1-4 (Buffy/Spike, G) by Double Dutchess

T-shirt design: I may be dead, but I'm still pretty (Buffy, worksafe) by 03Rodman

Vid: Die with a smile (Buffy/Angel) by darkswordfish

Vid: Slipping through my fingers (Buffy & Joyce) by Tara's Willowverse

Vid: Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word (Buffy/Spike) by Buffy The Vampire Slayer

Vid: A Tale of Light and Shadow - Buffy The Slayer Princess & Spike the Bloody Vampyr (Buffy/Spike) by Buffy & Spike Channel

Vid: Jingle Bell Rock (gen) by Tara's Willowverse

Drawings and meta: Book of Kells/Fanged Four tattoo designs (not rated, images are worksafe) by test_kard_girl

Willow Rosenberg vs Ulquiorra Cifer - Splash Page (Bleach crossover, Willow, worksafe) by DarkerEve

[Reviews & Recaps]

Oh, god, the ending of New Moon Rising broke my heart... by agirlinsearchof

First Time Watching: End of S3 Update! by ClaustroPhoebia

[Recs & In Search Of]

Spuffy Fic Recs — November/December by veronyxk84

Spuffy Fic Recs — November/December by veronyxk84

[Community Announcements]

Headline Awards 2025: still looking for a few more judges

[Fandom Discussions]

picturing spike and angel's human souls watching on in dismay as they angrily and passionately pine for each other by xaeyrnofnbe

The similarity between Sonya’s famous monologue at the end of [Uncle Vanya] and the church scene in “Beneath You” by impalementation

The purplish, blueish, lilac colour that lights Buffy the Vampire Slayer by pearlofthewoods

Re: who is the most powerful between buffy or faith? by we-pay-for-everything

Everytime I watch Season 4 Episode 6, I start to sob.... What other moments bring tears to your eyes? by Downtown-Minute9393 and others

Willow jacket appreciation by classified12345 and others

Which scene would never be in a show now by sKullsHavezzz and others

Willow's emotional pain from Oz's breakup by redskinsguy

Willow's Dream Detail by orchid-noogie

Thoughts on these frenemies? (Spike and Xander) by authenticriver

Submit a link to be included in the newsletter!

Join the editor team :)

[steveperrymusic4]

I am excited to announce the release of the new version of my holiday record, 'The Season 3', on November 8th. The album marks my first release on Dark Horse Records and to celebrate the announcement, you can listen to my brand new rendition of "What A Wonderful World" now.

-Sincerely, Steve Perry

Featuring 16 Holiday classics, including six previously unreleased tracks, you can pre-order the album now on 2LP and CD. 'The Season 3' will also be available on streaming, including a Dolby Atmos mix by mutli-Grammy award winner Paul Hicks.

The Season 3 Tracklisting:

1. What A Wonderful World

2. The Christmas Song

3. Santa Claus Is Coming To Town

4. This Christmas

5. Jingle Bell Rock

6. Call Me Irresponsible (feat. Ray Perry)

7. What Are You Doing New Year's Eve

8. Auld Lang Syne

9. Silver Bells

10. I'll Be Home For Christmas

11. Let It Snow

12. Maybe This Year

13. Winter Wonderland

14. Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer

15. Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas

16. 'Twas The Night Before Christmas

[sliptohk]

Prompt# 12: Quarry

The darkness of the cliffside encampment was kept at bay by the once merry campfire blazing away. Combatants locked in deadly struggle added occasionally with a burst of aether and a wash of sparks from each impact. Yet two fought most fiercely, clear hatred with every exchange.

Arms moved tirelessly in a whirl of ringing blades, surrounded by shouts and screams of furious combat. An ugly sneer plastered across the Xaela's face as each swing moved with far more ferocity than precision. Sweeping blows to underwhelm an inferior foe with the full weight and speed they could muster. A dizzying wall of silver as Ozbeg switched readily between single and double-handed as he pressed onward across the frozen earth. A pristine landscape he would see stained red.

The Hellsguard weathered that assault, slipping backward with only the barest of shifts in their stance. All those swings bouncing off with a shiver of tempered steel. Clear advantage in the heavier weapon that flicked fractions of an ilm to ward away harm that took their over-eager opponent telegraphed from fulms away.

It was difficult to hear what went on around them. No spare moment for Silent to split attention for her comrades, while the incensed swordsman showed no regard for what befell his own. She would simply need to have faith their familiarity and battle-tested tactics would see them safely through the fight. If not, things would become far more dicey.

With a step, she feigned a slip upon some unseen patch of ice. Hidden pitfalls were always a deadly trap for the unwary. Sensing an opening, Ozbeg thrust, only for the blade to be slip wide on the edge of Silent's heavier weapon. Off-balance by the redirection of momentum, the au ra stumbled into a raised elbow as the roegadyn rose to meet him. A satisfying crunch, a spray of blood from a broken nose, and at last the first spatter of crimson trickled out across the snow. It was not near enough.

This man had attacked her comrades while they slept. Whatever grudge he bore had already driven him to atrocity once, there was no doubt just what sort of slaughter would have been unleashed had they found their foe asleep or unprepared this night. It was never wise to foster animosity between sellswords. But there would always be some young upstart that thought fear and violence would garner them some sort of respectable reputation. Most were tempered by experience. Those that did not learn the code? Bad blood called for exsanguination.

There was no quarter. A knee to the groin as he staggered, the telling impact of soft flesh against hard muscle was almost pleasant. Her free hand balled up to uppercut Ozbeg's chin as he doubled-over - forcing them upright once more. Directly into a hard strike from the pommel of the blade, branded with the mark of a sparrow in flight from the force of the blow. Without hesitation, one foot slid forward as her considerable strength whipped the sword across to carve a ragged gouge diagonally across her foe from shoulder to hip as they reeled backward.

"Know this. When you claw at the gates my kin will hold you shackled in whatever hell you earned."

Cut to the bone, the heat of his blood steamed in the frigid Coerthas night between the gaping hole in his cold-weather gear. A debilitating strike, if not an outright mortal blow. Yet, the man still stood. Hate-filled eyes shifting from luminescent blue fit for that icy environ to smoldering red. Despite the brutal beating, the xaela raised his blade and charged forth to the fight once more.

Whatever bits of control Ozbeg once had lay shattered in the frost. His mouth opened in a roar of fury as his nose popped back to shape and flesh stubbornly knitted itself closed once again. Where before those swings had rang like a bell, now they were swung with the grace of a hammer. Pounding down hard on the Hellsguard with repeated overhand chops despite the raised weapon fending them off.

Swygdehm grit her teeth, feet digging deeper into the frozen earth with every impact. Whatever furious strength drove them on seemed intent on forcing them further into that unyielding ground. At least up to the point a sudden shriek of shattering metal ended that onslaught. Splinters bursting out to pepper Ozbeg's exposed flesh and sticking deep into the hearty winter covering Silent wrapped herself in.

A jagged few ilms of steel were all the Xaela had left to them. Not that it quelled that all-encompassing fury. The worthless weapon raised high even as the roegadyn surged to their feet. Or at least attempted to, before a sudden groan saw the earth drop out beneath them. Feet kicked in open air with only darkness beneath as Silent slammed her sword into a crack in the stone with an unspoken curse. She ought to have known they had woven their way so close! Dangling would do no good, the Hellsguard chanced a look down to try and gauge the fall and her chances to survive it.

What came to be a terrible mistake, as searing pain spread from her wrist. A terrible, screaming agony she had never felt even as air began to rush past. Above, only the sight of Ozbeg howling in wordless fury with bloodied handaxe clutched tightly with one hand. And the other snatching up her sword, her hand still wrapped tightly about it. Frothing and raging at his prey's seeming escape. Swiftly sprinting madly off in search of a way down to where Silent rapidly fell through wintry winds into the dark below.

Even as she plummeted, her wrist wracked with agony, two thoughts were forefront in her mind. That it was some small favor in that berserker abandoning the battle. Maybe the rest of her crew would be fine?

And the indignity of her cousin's gift falling into foul hands.

[sinelanguage]

ermmm 39 with usopp and zoro :0 ? perhaps some water7 with 45 if u so wish

Zoro doesn’t avoid things. 

Every problem he encounters he faces directly, even if it could send him to an early grave. It’s how problems should be tackled; promptly, efficiently, right in their face. Zoro will work at it until the problem breaks Zoro or Zoro breaks the problem. It’s always the latter in the end. He already told Luffy he’d never lose again, and he’s kept to his damn word. 

He’s not going to lose to anything, he’ll take on any fight he needs to. 

And he doesn’t avoid things. 

Hanging out in the Crow’s Nest isn’t avoiding anything. 

It’s the opposite of avoiding things, actually. He’s getting directly accustomed to the brand new ship that Franky made, with all its bells and whistles. It’s no Merry, nothing will ever be the Merry, but he has to admit the attention to detail impressives him. Franky built him the Crow’s Nest specifically, including his own weights and everything. It’s like the perfect ship for the crew, down to every last detail. 

It’s so detailed that it’s no surprise that the crew sticks to their own nooks and crannies of the ship instead of interacting with each other. It’s only natural. Everyone else is doing it; Chopper’s spent the last two days fawning over his new infirmary, the cook’s cooked up several feasts in his too-nice kitchen, and Robin’s spent considerably too long in the library reading who knows what.

Zoro cowering in the Crow’s Nest is normal. Franky made this place for him, just like he made the rest of the crew their own luxuries. He’d be stupid not to enjoy it. 

After his final set of one thousand with Franky’s brand new weights, Zoro sets them down and stares out at the horizon. The ocean’s calm, deceptively so, only a light breeze raising the Sunny’s sails. It’ll be another day or two before they find another adventure, and he hopes that the rest of the crew is enjoying the alcoves as much as Zoro is. 

He’s so caught up in looking for a threat on the horizon that he misses the creak of the door as it opens. 

“Hey, shithead,” says a familiar, grating voice. “Are you going to skip lunch for your workouts? That’s stupid, you know. If you don’t get protein, none of that even matters–”

“I don’t care,” Zoro interrupts. He doesn’t need the cook to lecture him. “I don’t need your shit food for my routine. I can handle this myself.”

“This is handling yourself, huh?”

Zoro sniffs, trying to ignore the enticing smell of freshly seared meat. “Uh-huh. Didn’t ask for delivery. I’m not going to give you a tip.”

“Like I’d want your shit tip,” Sanji answers, unceremoniously dropping a plate of what smells like the most enticing seared fish Zoro’s ever smelt in his entire life. “Anyway, I don’t care. I had extra fish, I figured I’d give it to the closest garbage disposal on board.”

The fish does smell good. “Fine,” Zoro says. “I’ll eat your shit food. Now fuck off.”

Sanji closes the door behind him, the lock clicking shut. “No,” he says. “I don’t feel like it. I want a smoke, and the view’s nice from up here. Now eat up before it gets cold.”

He doesn’t want to listen to the cook’s orders, but, well. The fish does smell good, and he’s not going to resist that smell forever. He needs the protein, or whatever. 

Shoving a handful of food into his mouth, he ignores the cook’s annoyed scoff at talks at him with his mouth open. “So, what? You doing delivery service now? Should’ve brought me onigiri instead of fish if you knew what you were doing.”

“I only gave this to you because I had extra,” Sanji says. “Usopp caught a shitload of fish, more than we could even store in the brand new aquarium.”

Oh, right. That makes sense; the Sunny’s equipped for everyone, including Usopp. 

Zoro frowns, chewing slowly. He didn’t want to think about Usopp.

“Really, it’s impressive how much fish he caught while you were up here napping,” Sanji continues. Zoro clearly wasn’t napping, but whatever. “Enough to fill up the aquarium and Luffy’s stomach. Impressive feat, really.”

It is, but he doesn’t want to comment on it. 

“I should tell him you snarfed up his damn fish, he’d love that,” the cook continues. He pauses, blowing out a puff of smoke that covers his face. “He thinks you’ve been avoiding him.”

And there it is. This is why the cook’s really here, to interrogate him. It’s not like he expected anything other than an ulterior motive from him, but he didn’t think it’d be about Usopp. 

“I’m not avoiding him,” Zoro says. “I just haven’t…”

He’s just purposefully not running into Usopp. 

It’s not that he’s scared of Usopp. Usopp’s not a threat, nor is he a loose cannon. Not anymore, that is. They both know where they stand; Zoro’s made his point, and Usopp’s passed his test. They’re all fine, in theory. It’s just… 

It’s just delicate. 

Delicate is something that Zoro doesn’t know how to handle without breaking. Luffy rightfully welcomed him back on the crew after he apologized, and he seemed to be completely dedicated to the crew with his own damn baggage sorted, but it doesn’t mean Usopp wants anything to do with him. 

Zoro trusts him on the crew, but there’s an underlying question Zoro doesn’t have the answer to. 

Does Usopp trust him?

The answer doesn’t really matter. He’s part of the crew, but that doesn’t mean Usopp has to like him specifically. 

“I’m not avoiding him,” Zoro says. “He hasn’t talked to me, either.”

Sanji scoffs. 

“If the idiot wanted to talk to me, he would,” Zoro continues. “But he doesn’t. So it’s fine. He’ll just catch you one thousand fish or whatever the hell it is he does.”

Sanji taps his fingers on his thigh, clearly not impressed. Zoro wants to wipe the expression off his face, but infuriatingly, Sanji doesn’t give him the damn chance. 

“Whatever it is he does, huh?”

Like Zoro knows what that’s supposed to imply. 

“Yeah, whatever it is that he does,” he says. 

There’s one more critical look, full of context Sanji understands but Zoro doesn’t. It’s infuriating, and it reminds him of Sanji’s own reaction to Luffy and Usopp’s fight back at Water 7. He picked up on shit that Zoro missed, but he wouldn’t explain himself, not even now. 

“Maybe you’d know whatever it is he does if you spent some time on the deck instead of hunkering down up here,” Sanji says. “I took you for a lot of things, but I never took you for a damn coward.”

Zoro stiffens, shoving another fish into his mouth. “I’m not a damn coward,” he says with food still in his mouth, just to annoy the cook. “What the hell is your problem, anyway? Come here to give me delivery, or did you come here to give me a lecture?”

“Neither,” Sanij corrects, dusting off his pants. “I came here to deal with my leftover problem.”

He picks up the last fish from the plate, and unceremoniously shoves it in Zoro’s mouth. 

“Mfm,” Zoro protests, trying to chew on an entire fish. 

“Uh-huh. Great, good to know you’ll talk to Usopp sometime this century,” Sanij says. He picks up his plate, shoves it under his arm, and turns around to the Crow’s Nest’s exit. “I expect you to figure it out by the next island, moron.”

“Mfmf,” Zoro says between bites of fish. 

Sanji scoffs. 

Zoro swallows his fish whole. “Nothing to figure out,” he says, but by the time the words are out, Sanji’s gone. 

With a frustrated groan, Zoro knocks his head into the glass of the Crow’s Nest. He’s not avoiding anything; Usopp’s avoiding him. Things are fine, they’ll continue to be fine, and all Zoro needs to worry about is getting stronger and training like always. It doesn’t matter if that crew particularly likes him. Not really. That’s totally tangential to his problem. 

Scrubbing at his mouth, Zoro stares off at the horizon. He’s sure he can get another set in, and another after the sun sets. By that time, Usopp may be asleep already. 

He’s not avoiding anything. He’s not. He’s just being practical.  And if his sets last long into the night, until he’s sure Usopp’s asleep, well. That’s just a fucking coincidence, that’s all.

[killersbabe]

merry crisis my takes on some popular carols we all love and love to hate. some are true some I just feel are true.

- Santa Baby is not about Santa, but about the singer's sugar daddy. She is calling him Santa baby for a fun seasonal twist.

- Grandma Got Run Over By a Reindeer is about a grandchild who doesn't quite understand that his whole family is complicit in the murder of his grandmother by his grandfather. Evidence: "we're all so proud of Grandpa/he's been taking this so well" "you may say there's no such thing as Santa/but as for me and Grandpa we believe". Grandpa killed Grandma and we're all just telling the kids a reindeer did it.

- Baby It's Cold Outside

a) isn't a date rape song

b) is from a musical where it has another reprise where the genders are swapped and

c) the social norms at the time were such that a woman would instantly be branded a slut for willingly staying the night. I feel like we all know this by now but I wanted to say it.

(Another one I hope we all know by now: mommy was not really kissing Santa Claus. That was daddy in a costume.)

And finally, this one is just for fun, for me: Jingle Bells has way more lyrics and is a song about an old guy reminiscing about courting the layyydies in his youth and telling the young guys to get out there and get some while they can.

[paladin-of-nerd-fandom65]

Good answers! Got some more if that’s ok?

1: you mention in a earlier post that they like avatar, what type of bending would the duo use?

2: let’s say at school, they was asked what type of superpowers would they want to have? What power would they choose?

3: what’s their New Year’s resolution?

4: in a battle royale, between the members of starknights & titans of tomorrow, who would be the last one standing? I’m gonna say Chris XD

5: what gifts did Chris & Jake give to their families on Christmas Day?

6: what’s their role during the holidays? Like being a cook, wrapping presents etc…

Have a Very Merry Christmas @gothicghost2000

1) I can see Chris being a Water bender as his personality undergoes a positive change that flows with the currents of life as it has been for the last half a decade. Meanwhile, because of his free spirited attitude and joyful outlook on life in spite of any sort of hardships he can come across and his value on all life, Jake can be an Airbender.

2) This is a relatively easy question for them, so easy they wind up making three to five page essays about their superpowers they choose regarding their benefits, uses, and many other coolness factors in demonstrating how much they love it, especially power they actually legit have unbeknownst to their teachers. Chris can pick Flight while Jake selects Enhanced Strength.

3) Chris: No more Shampoo or Hair Dye pranks on Conner….though Perfume Pranks are Still on the Table

Jake: Not to blame himself for cases, whether in school or especially as as superhero, when things go wrong bits it’s not his faulty ultimately. Also, being less nervous around Meredith when they hang out

4) That’s very much the case though as with any wrestling match, it’s far from an easy battle. Especially for Chris as almost the vets second the bell rings, since it was every man for themselves, almost all the others rushed to try getting Chris right out of the ring, only being stopped once Jake started going after Bobby and Irey. From there, one by one, the competitors fell out of the ring until finally it was between Chris and Mar’i. Jake offered to help from outside but Chris adamantly tells him to not interfere, ultimately coming out on top via Mar’i missing her aim with a super kick

5) Chris;

- He got Lois and Clark brand new notebooks, pens, a Diamond ring for Lois and new glasses for Clark

- Conner got a brand new leather jacket with some Bi Flag patches and saying stitched on the back on top of his S Shield, “Family Matters, They’re S Tier”

- Kara was given a brand new small jacket for Streaky which has colors that match her hero outfit and a new shiny red cape

- Finally but certainly not least, Jon was given a brand new chemistry set complete with a lab coat, gloves and goggles for any fun safe experiments he can conduct

Jake;

- For Dick, Jake manages to track down entire textbooks about circus history and also some Robin Hood

- Kory received a photo album comprised of the happier memories she has with her parents, Galfore, Kom, Ry, and her Planet

- He also gave Mar’i a brand new blanket he sewed along with Alfred. It’s a thick Cotton cloth with Pink threads and imprinted with blue and white stars

- Finally for his beloved Uncle Tim(my) Drake, a rare Five Foot Tall Crocky Plushie, cause he knows his beloved Uncle basically worships that Dancing alligator without any doubt

6) Chris aids Martha and Kara in the kitchen for preparing the dinner, being in charge of the side dishes including mashed potatoes and steaming the vegetables while also prepping the table for the whole family to sit down once it’s all ready

Then there’s Jake who helps place all the decorations on both the Christmas tree and all throughout the apartment, following Dick’s instructions on where everything should go just case they want to spice it up from last year. He does so while Kory and Mar’i handle other parts of the place. On Christmas Day itself, Jake also handles the music

[gacmediadaily]

I'm excited to share this news from Great American Family is finally official! We can look forward to seeing our favorite GFAM Christmas movies return even sooner than previously announced, movies like: A Hot Cocoa Christmas, Catering Christmas, Jingle Bell Princess, My Christmas Hero, Bringing Christmas Home, A Christmas Blessing, and many more!

Great American Family is also honoring the final four from their Jingle Bell Bracket on Saturday night, from 4pm to midnight (ET)!

In their press release below, Great American Media shares their “Great American Christmas in July” schedule for Friday through Sunday; however, if you'd like to see beyond that, then be sure to visit my Christmas Movie Schedule.

Press Release via Great American Media:

GREAT AMERICAN FAMILY 

ANNOUNCES THE NETWORK’S

‘GREAT AMERICAN 

CHRISTMAS IN JULY’ 

BEGINS JUNE 28

FIRST 29 FILMS 

INCLUDING VIEWERS’ CHOICE 

REVEALED NEW YORK, NY – June 26, 2024 – Great American Family, an industry leader in the production of quality original holiday content, announced an early launch to the network’s highly-popular, holiday program event, “Great American Christmas in July,” Friday, June 28 (8 p.m. ET). Great American Family announced the first 29 films in the Christmas event including the Saturday, June 29 JINGLE BELL BRACKET winners selected by the network’s viewers (top four bracket winners denoted with * below). Temps outside are soaring. Great American Christmas in July beats the heat.

FRIDAY, JUNE 28

Destined at Christmas (8 p.m. ET)

A Brush With Christmas (10 p.m. ET)

A Kindhearted Christmas (12 a.m. ET)

The Jinglebell Jubilee (2 a.m. ET)

The Art of Christmas (4 a.m. ET)

SATURDAY, JUNE 29

Aisle Be Home for Christmas (6 a.m. ET)

A Hot Cocoa Christmas (8 a.m. ET)

A Royal Christmas Holiday (10 a.m. ET)

Christmas on Windmill Way (12 p.m. ET)

Bringing Christmas Home (2 p.m. ET)

My Christmas Hero (4 p.m. ET)*

Jingle Bell Princess (6 p.m. ET)*

Catering Christmas (8 p.m. ET)*

‘Twas the Text Before Christmas (10 p.m. ET)*

My Favorite Christmas Tree (12 a.m. ET)

Christmas on Candy Cane Lane (2 a.m. ET)

A Lot Like Christmas (4 a.m. ET)

SUNDAY, JUNE 30

Christmas on Maple Hills (6 a.m. ET)

A Dash of Christmas (8 a.m. ET)

Destined 2: Christmas Once More (10 a.m. ET)

A Merry Christmas Wish (12 p.m. ET)

Journey to Christmas (2 p.m. ET)

A Christmas…Present (4 p.m. ET)

Christmas at the Drive-In (6 p.m. ET)

Peppermint and Postcards (8 p.m. ET)

A Christmas Blessing (10 p.m. ET)

A Christmas Miracle for Daisy (12 a.m. ET)

Our Christmas Wedding (2 a.m. ET)

Christmas on the Coast (4 a.m. ET)

Week one of Great American Christmas in July, exclusively on Great American Family, begins this Friday night at 8 p.m.

ABOUT GREAT AMERICAN FAMILY

Great American Family is America’s premiere destination for quality family-friendly programming, including original holiday movies, rom-coms and fan-favorite series that celebrate faith, family and country. Great American Family is home to year-round seasonal celebrations including Great American Christmas, the network’s signature franchise featuring holiday themed movies and specials. Founded in 2021, Great American Family is part of the Great American Media portfolio of brands.

Follow Great American Family on Twitter: @GAfamilyTV Facebook: @GreatAmericanFamilyTV Instagram: @greatamericanfamily

Photo: Courtesy of Great American Media 2023

[Pictured: Jill Wagner and Paul Greene star in Bringing Christmas Home]

----------------------------------------

I hope you all enjoyed this wonderful Christmas movie news today from Great American Family!

Two classic Christmas movies from other networks will air during Christmas in July- "Hats Off to Christmas" and "A Very Corgi Christmas".

Also, more awesome news... Casey Elliott (from the "Destined at Christmas" movies) is filming a new Christmas movie for Great American Family!!!

Be sure to visit my Christmas Movie Schedule for even more Christmas in July!

Have a Blessed, Merry Day!

Net 🌟