#more... (he was so startled when she and roy and dot were about to get hit too im... :''( )

[cloudbends]

I was planning on writing my thoughts in the tags about the episode after watching it subbed.... But honestly..... There's just. So much. I love pokemon horizons so much

[queenslimeball]

Sounds like a dream

Part two here

Gator Tillman x fem!reader

Contents; Angst, fluff, mother!reader

Summary; Y/n visits Gator in jail to introduce him to their son.

It's been a long time since Gator was first sentenced to prison. It was even worse for him to begin with, considering he had to deal with it blindly, too. To help, he'd been given a mobility cane, of which he struggled to use it within the first few weeks.

Gator hasn't had many ways of keeping track, but he assumes he's already been locked up for almost two years now. He assumes so because he can visualise the layout of the prison in his mind – he knows where everything is by now. Every day is Groundhog Day, so it doesn't take very long to learn.

What isn't hard to keep track of is the number of visits Gator has gotten. Two. Both from Dot. Both with cookies. Both several months apart. Other than that, nothing. At least she is a woman of her word.

Gator is sitting on his bed in his cell when he hears a loud bang at the bars with a guard's batton. It startles him, and he looks in the general direction to which it came from.

"Oi, Tillman. You got a visitor comin' in. Get up." The guard says. The recognisable sound of the door creaking open echoes through the jail. Gator carefully stands. He reaches out for the guard's shoulder and keeps it there so he can be lead away.

Gator's mind is filled with wonder. Who would be visiting him? Surely not Dot again. She didn't visit too long ago now, and she rarely visits. But it's not like anyone else does.

Gator is instructed to sit at a table, and then he hears the guard walk off. It seems that he's alone in the room. He can't hear a single sound of someone else. Disappointment floods his heart for a moment, his shoulders sinking.

The sound of shoes on the floor brightens his spirits suddenly. He hears someone sit opposite him. Gator feels his excitement come back.

"Hey, Gator." It's Y/n.

Y/n's voice soothes Gator, somewhat. He hasn't heard the sound in so long, yet it's so refreshing. She was Gator's girlfriend. But, when she found out Gator wasn't as good of a guy as she thought he was, she broke up with him. She was one of the last people he saw before his eyes were taken from him. He'll always remember the sight of her, no matter how long passes.

"Y/n? What're you doin' here?" Gator asks softly, not quite believing that this is her.

"Visiting you." Y/n replies.

"I– I know that." Gator pinches the bridge of his nose just below the black-out sunglasses he wears. "But I mean... Why?"

"I wanted to see how you are." She shrugs simply.

"Well, I'm shit, yeah, I'm in jail." Gator scoffs.

"That's not what I meant."

"It's not?"

"No." Y/n responds firmly. "I meant I wanted to see if you've changed. If this this has done you any good."

The truth is, it has. Even losing his sight was enough to flip his whole world upside down. Now, jail has flipped it about continuously like a washing machine. He's not the old Gator anymore. Or at least he's not the Gator that tried to be a Roy. He's the Gator trying to be a Gator.

"I hope so." Is all Gator musters up to say. "How've you been?" He asks.

"Good. I actually moved out to Chicago not long after all that shit happened." She answers. "I got a new job, new friends, the whole lot."

"New boyfriend?" Gator can't help but ask, a hint of jealousy in his tone.

Y/n laughs and shakes her head, but then she remembers that Gator can't see her and quickly tries to verbalise it. "God, no."

"That's a... shame. You deserve someone nice." He tries not to make it sound too forced, but he's more just excited that he still has a chance with her.

"Thanks. I, uh... I brought someone that I'd like you to meet." Y/n finally says, as if she's been debating to go through with this. Gator hears the sound of her rising to walk away, then shortly after start to walk over to his side of the table.

"What's goin' on? Is this some kinda prank?" He questions, sceptical of her behaviour.

"Turn around." She ignores him. Gator huffs and does as told on the bench, spinning around to face where her voice comes from.

"So who the hell am I–" He starts, but stops himself when he feels someone lowered into his lap. A small someone.

"What's this?" He questions. His hand gently reaches to feel whatever is in his lap. He finds a face and quickly repositions his hand, finding hair instead. "I mean, who?"

"Meet your son."

Gator's whole world stops. His heart stops beating, and his brain stops working. His son? When did he ever have a son? He tries to ask her about it, but he just can't get any words out as his mouth gapes open. His bottom lip quivers slightly, and he gently wraps an arm around the small boy, holding him closer.

"My.. My son?"

"Well, our son." She corrects. "I found out I was pregnant after we broke up."

Gator can't help but smile. "Our son.." He murmurs to himself.

Y/n sits next to Gator. She leans her head on Gator's shoulder to get a view of Gator and their son. Gator feels his skin heat up at her being so close, but she doesn't think much of it whatsoever.

"What's his name?"

"Alex. I couldn't think of anything creative, so I just named him after the midwife. Luckily, she had a gender neutral name." She recalls with a soft chuckle.

"Hey, Alex. It's Daddy." Gator softens his voice, looking where he thinks Alex's face will be.

"Daddy..." Alex mumbles, a small hand reaching up to grab at Gator's face. His heart melts, and he smiles widely.

Gator's smile vanishes, although. The sweetness of his son has quickly become something he doesn't know if he could live with. He'll never see his son. His face slowly falls into one of despair.

"Are you okay?" Y/n asks, peering around to study Gator's facial features that she can read from his eyebrows, cheeks and mouth.

"No, no, I'm–" Gator stumbles on his words. He makes a noise, like he's about to speak, but it just comes out as a shaky breath like he's about to cry. "I'm never gonna see my son."

Y/n gently rubs Gator's back. There's not much she can do besides that. She can't give him his sight back. If she could, she would. She feels bad for him.

Gator tries to calm himself down. He slowly relaxes himself, for now, even though he knows this is going to be keeping him up all night. He won't be able to sleep with that thought. It's terrifying. Terrifying that there's nothing he can do about it.

"What does he look like?" Gator questions after a moment of pure silence. He gently pets Alex's hair, enjoying how soft it is.

"Honestly, better than I'd imagined." Y/n answers. "He's got the same shade hair as me. It's all messy. He's got your eyes and your nose. Freckles. The cheekiest, cutest smile you'd ever see."

"He sounds like a dream." He says, voice wavering as his hand gently combs through Alex's hair.

"He is. He reminds me of you in a way." She chuckles. "Because, he–"

Vzzrt!

The buzzer for the end of visiting.

Gator finds himself sitting on the edge of his bed. His mind is still on Y/n and Alex. She was about to say something good about him. He knows it. Surely she wouldn't badmouth their young son, so surely he's onto something here? Gator wishes he had just a few more seconds to hear what she likes about him. Or to hear more about his son. Maybe next time...

[cheekyowldraws]

Series: Pokemon Horizons

Characters: Main plot: Friede, Murdock, Orla appears fairly often too Minor part: Ludlow, Liko, Roy, Mollie Mentioned: Dot

Ships: FriedexMurdock also called Capncrunchshipping or Airfryshipping

Summary:

How did Friede and Murdock met and how did the cook end up joining the RVTs? Liko was asking herself the same questions and so she confronted those two when they all had a little snack break together. I also emphasized them slowly falling in love with each other through out the story to have a smooth transition to the weeding proposal fanfic I already wrote. But they didn't fully grasped that feeling yet <3

It was a beautiful, sunny day and the Brave Asagi flew smoothly through the sky. A few days ago the ship was docking near the Wild Area of Galar where the Rising Volt Tacklers had enjoyed some delicious curry together made in a group effort by Liko, Roy and Dot. Murdock was busy in the kitchen preparing some snacks for everyone, deeply lost in thoughts. He let the events from their little trip to the wild area unfold once again in his mind. It made his heart sing, not only was it the first ever curry his niece had, but also the first time she actually joined them eating a meal together, after what felt like a eternity...he honestly can't even remember when the last time actually was. While musing about all this he felt a sudden saddness growing inside...he was so thankful that Dot found two precious friends with Liko and Roy, especially Liko managed to understand his little sister's precious girl he is looking after, slightly questioning himself wondering what he might lack to understand his nieces true feelings like Liko had succeeded in doing. "I probably just annoy her most of the time...no wonder...I keep pestering her with my silly questions...adults sure are bothering huh?" after letting out a deep sigh he continued his task.

"Talking to yourself?" Murdock was torn out of his thoughts but wasn't startled. He peeked into the direction of the familiar voice to find Friede leaning against the doorframe with a snippish grin. "And you seem to have forgotten how to properly knock at the door before coming in." the cook teasingly replied to him with a playful voice. "What are you talking about? I did knock! Where you daydreaming or something?" the professor let out a small chuckle when he saw Murdocks face turning into a grimace. "Huh?! You did?" Silence briefly draped over the pair for a moment. But before Friede could say anything in return, a plate with freshly made cookies were shoved into his hands "How about helping me out if you are already here?" rather baffled Friede was almost taken in by the pleasant smell. "Hey don't change the subject!" Friede exclaimed. "I don't know what you mean." Murdock contered delightful while taking off his apron, hanging it back on the hook. The cook then took a plate himself with different lemonade flavors he mixed from the fresh berries they collected in the Wild area before they left. "I can't wait to see everyones happy face. Let's Go Friede!" his voice brimming with excitment. But he didn't get a response. "Oi Friede are you listening?" the chef asked concerned, raising an eyebrow. Still no answer. "Who is daydreaming now?" the cook now teasingly asked, finally snapping the other man out of his thoughts. Friede started to blush. Murdock was way to close to his face. He felt even more embaressed after realising that he kept staring at the cook so he quickly averted his gaze. "S...Shut up it's not my fault that you are...(so hot)" he could barley stop himself from actually saying the last part out loud "I am what?" Murdock asked visually confused. "L...Let's go I bet the others are already waiting" the professor stuttered, turning around hastely to leave the kitchen. "WAIT!! Tell me!! I wanna know!" Murdock cried out but Friede just upped the pace, so the cook had no choice but to follow him.

Shortly after everyone was sitting outside on the battlefield enjoying the cookies and lemonade. It filled Murdocks heart with joy to wittness how everyone seemed to have a good time. When Friede went to get seconds Murdock took the chance and snagged them away right under his nose. "You can have more when you tell me what you meant earlier" sounding mildly exasperated. Friede wanted to be mad at him but he looked way to cute when he was pouty, so he kinda gave in. "I can't tell you... not here" he nervously replied "Why?" The cook was visually jumbled, noticing the slight blush on his lovers face he finally understood, turning his own cheeks into a slight pink as well. To their surprise everyone were now staring at them and no one dared to break the silence until Likos shyly voiced her inquiry. "Ehm...I hope it's okay to ask this question, but how did you two met?"

"You wanna know how we met?" Murdock repeated surprised. Liko now started to fidged with her fingers "Yes...Well...uhm...you two seem to be so close so I was just wondering how long you two know each other...y..you don't have to tell me" the girl nervously let out. The two men fleetingly looked at each other and then back at Liko, beaming a smile at her. "I guess it's time for another epic story" Friede started making Likos eyes lit up in excitment. "YUCHU!! I can't wait to hear more of your adventures." Roy marginally startled everyone with his sudden shout out. "Full of energy like always." Murdock stated laughing. After a heartfelt clearing of his throat the professor began to speak. "We actually met way before the RVTs were even founded. I still worked at my old job back then. That was.... " Friede paused mid-sentence and everyone eagerly waited for him to continue. "Let's just say it was a long time ago" he finally stated proudly sitting there with crossed arms, getting a judging stare out of everyone. Murdock playfully rolled his eyes because he already expected his best friend to not being able to remember the exact time. It's one of his weaknesses he has to admit is quite amusing sometimes.

"To be honest I would have actually been shocked if you did remember the exact time!" Friede just uttered an awkward chuckle while rubbing the back of his head. The cook released a deafeted sigh before he took over the storytelling "I joined the crew 7 years ago, but we actually met a bit more than 3 years before that event, so in total we know each other for around 10 years." Murdock started to explain "WOAH 10 YEARS!!?" the kids yelled out amaze, giving Murdock kinda the fright. "I probabaly wasn't even born back then!" Roy was already full into the story. "We barley started and it's already turning into chaos" Friede couldn't help but to laugh. "You of all people complain about chaos?" Orla bursted out into laughter. "HEY! What is that supposed to mean?" Friede gave her an offended glare. "You have the talent to bring chaos into everyones lifes and I don't mean it in a negative way" Murdock added and a soft smile formed on his lips "Honestly...I don't know what I would have done if I never met you" Murdock let himself getting swepped in by his emotions, tenderly smiling "He saved my heart back then" The moment the cook finished his sentence he grasped what he actually just said, instantly regretting it. He felt sharp stinging eyes staring at him. Casting a quick glance over his shoulder in the direction of this, let's say quite intimidate aura, to indeed see Mollie and Orla grining develish at him! "Now you have my full attention." the nurse said now fully involved. "Don't be shy and tell us everything, and don't you dare to leave anything interesting out." the mechanic demanded with a bittersweet grin on her face, making Murdock shiver in fear a bit. "W..Well...also it all started 10 years ago in a small forest of Galar..."

10 years ago somewhere in Galar:

It was almost lunch time and Murdocks day off. He had already finished all his laundry and others important tasks for today so he decided to go pick some berries for his cakes. Just a normal day like usual. Little did he know that his life gonna change forever starting from today. The forest Murdock was heading to was called Glimwood Tangle. It wasn't that big, but you could easily get lost if you lack the right knowledge. The several, maze-like paths shouldn't be taken lightly. Though perpetually dark, luminescent mushrooms provide small circles of light at various points on the paths. Touching these mushrooms causes them to glow more brightly and expands the area that they light. No problem for Murdock though, as he comes here weekly to pay a visit. So naturally everything went smootly and he fastly found everything he was looking for. "All right!! I got quite the good loot" He happiely summed while packing the last berry into his backpack. "Okay time to head home" He settled the bag on his shoulders and was about to leave the forest, when he got hold back by a weird sound. Thinking it was probably just a wild Pokemon, he tried to ignore it, but something deep inside him told him he should follow this odd noise. The curiousity growing inside him won and he embarked to investigate, firstly narrowing down from which direction the strange sound came from. Murdock now cautiously walked through the bushes, carefully watching his steps by touching the glowing mushrooms on his way to see better. The weird sound getting louder and louder...it more and more became creepy and with every further step he questioned his decision heavily.

But in this moment the pastry chef tripped over a big »object« and fell over, landing flat on his face. "Ouch...that hurt...?" He got rid of his backpack so he could sit up, rubbing his face to ease the pain.The creepy sound now suddenly came directly from behind him and sheer horror filled his body. That's it...that's his end...he should have just gone home when he still had the chance. "W...wa..." This made Murdock jump, letting out a high-pitched scream, now facing the source of this weird sound "Wa...water...." The cook now stared perplex at the ominous figure laying on the ground "Water?" he asked himself loudly until finally realizing it's actually a human-being laying down on the forest soil. Without thinking he rushed over to try and help. The white haired man was in an absolute terrible state, pale face, dry lips. Murdock tried to slightly shake the stranger to wake him up "Oi mister can you here me?" The smaller man tried to talk but no words came out, most likely having a dry throat, so the cook pulled out his water bottle and carefully making him swollow the water. After a few sips the stranger slightly opened his eyes just faintly able to see that someone was holding him. He was so dehydrated and hungry that he couldn't move. "Am I dead or why I see an angel?" he weakly said, the lack of nutrition must be playing games on his brain. Murdock got spooked by the sudden response and after his mind comprehended what the man just said his cheeks got quite the blush. But he also freaked out simoltaniouly, because he thought the stranger is about to leave this world. "S..stop talking nonsense Mister!! You are about to kick the bucket!!" he panicly started to shake him like a ragdoll so he would stay awake. "So bright..." the man mumbled looking even paler than before. "DON'T FOLLOW THE LIGHT!! Murdock now was fully on allert. " YOU GONNA BE OKAY! I'M SAVING YOU!!" Some time passed and the white-haired man were now leaning against a tree, gulping down a sandwich Murdock handed him. "I know you must be hungry, but you shouldn't gulp down the food like that or.." he couldn't even finsihed his sentence before the other man started to choke. "SEE I TOLD YOU!!" The chef offered him some water and the man gladly accepted it, washing down the food with it, letting out a satisfied sigh "Fwuuuhhh that was good! Thank you so much for saving me." the smaller man bowed down while still sitting to show how grateful he is "No problem I'm glad I could help you, but that surley creeped me out at first...talking nonsene like seeing and angel and stuff" he admitted slightly flustered. Realisation hit Friede like a Hyperbeam! WAIT!? Shit..Did he really said that out loud?? How embarrassing "S...Sorry I didn't mean to scare youl. Thank you! I owe you big time mister...?" right he didn't even know the name of his saviour yet. "Ahh I totally forgot to introduce myself didn't I? Name's Murdock nice to meet you...?" now it was the cook questionly looking at the other man and was greeted with a geniune smile "Nice to meet you Murdock! Call me Friede" and with that they exchanged a friendly handshake.

"What where you even doing here Mister Friede?" Friede immediatly gave him a cringe visage. "Please drop the Mister no need to be so formal just call me Friede." he insisted. "Ah sorry Mi...I mean Friede!" the cook stutterd a little bit, feeling a bit awkward, not formally adressing someone he just met. "So about my question..." he asked cautiously, not wanting to come off pushy, but for some reason he wanted to know more about Friede, who now was resting his back on a tree after stretching his arms. "I was reasearching Pokemon in their natural habitat." he began to narrate. "You know documenting how they find food, how they interact with each other, what they like and don't like, stuff like that." His voice sounded a bit sorrowful or was he just imagining it? Stop it your are just overthinking again. The cook scolded himself. "Sounds intersting. Is that your job or just a hobby?" he then added. "Oh haven't I told you? I'm a professor and I arrived here three days ago for my research" Friede proudly said. "Your a professor??! That's impressive!" Murdocks brain slowly took in the rest of the imformation he just got and nearly couldn't believe his ears. "Wait...YOU DIDN'T DRINK AND ATE PROPERLY FOR THREE DAYS!!?" the bigger man was quite outraged about this discovery so Friede tried to convince him that there is no need to fuss about this "Please it's not that big of a deal. I'm used to get by with little food and water. Besides I only planned to be here for a day, two at most but I got lost on my way out so..." he was certain that would be enough to reassure Murdock, but the opposite happened. "WHAT!? That's even worse! Pack your stuff together you coming with me" A bit intimidated Friede meekly asked "Where do you wanna bring me?" Murdock shouldered his backback and turned around to face Friede. "To my home. I make you a heathy meal...I...I mean I can't force you to come with me so..." Murdock now got nervouse because he realized that came across like an command and he might have pressured the other man. "You can cook?" Friede ask curiously "Yeah. I'm a pastry chef and actually work in a bakery together with a friend, but I can cook basically everything. I always loved to cook. Imagining everyone happily eating a good meal with a smile on their faces...I'm always looking forward to that. It's the best reward." what Friede now witnessed was the most geniune smile he ever saw. Murdock must really love cooking. He somehow felt a bit melancholic, but put this feeling aside for the time being. "Now I can't say no to such an promising offer." Friede chirped, and started to pack his stuff following Murdock's lead. "I'm glad to here that, let me know if you need help." When he was ready to go he looked at Murdock who wore a charming smile "Guess I really met an angel today after all" he whispered to himself, smiling softly he started to follow Murdock.

This was the beginning of a long and beautiful friendship. Of course Friede couldn't stay forever in Galar and had to go back to the lab he was working at, but for the next two years they tried to spend any freetime they had together, always staying in tough through their rotom phones. They shared everything with each other, their thoughts, their fears, what they love, what they hate. They could talk about literally anything and end up laughing together. Life seemed perfect. Little did they know that they had to overcome various hurdles on their journey towards true Happiness.

2 years after their first meeting:

Murdock looked on his phone checking if Friede answered him...he didn't. He let out a dissapointed sigh. One month has passed now since Friede vanished without saying a word, without answering his messages...at least he knows he is not dead seeing that he left him on read. He probably was just busy because the past few weeks before that his friend already kept replying less and less frequently...he knew Friede must have a good reason...but it still hurted to be ignored..."Why isn't he answering...did I do something wrong?" Questions like that kept spiraling in his head every day. He knew it was pointless to continue writing him at this point...if he haven't answered him before why should he now? The cook felt like he only keeps bothering Friede, so he decided it's time to accept that he probably won't see him again anytime soon and just trying to continue his life without him. It's only a month since he saw his best friend the last time...or at least he thought they were...but he already felt like something important is missing. Murdock felt so helpless. Just the thought of possible never seeing Friede again scares him. "Argh" Frustrated he let himself fall down on his bed. Now laying on his back he stared at the ceiling "I have no time to think about that now...I need to find a new job..." Murdock looked a last time at his conversation with Friede before he locked it away together with his heart.

At the same time Friede was out at sea fishing with his gramps and laying at his back, yet again staring half-lidded at the messages Murdock send him over the past month.

"Good morning Friede <3 I was visiting my sister yesterday to help make preperations for her daughters birthday. Can you imagine Dot is already turning 2 soon? I still can't believe I'm an uncle now. She is the precioust niece I could ever ask for" "Oi Friede you won't believe what just happend! Our little Milcery evolved into an Ruby Mix Alcremie! I can now make even more delicious cakes! Wanna come over and eat some?" "Sorry you're probably very busy, so it's okay if you don't have the energy to answer, but I haven't heard from you for two weeks now. I can't help but to get a bit worried...are you alright?" "Ehm sorry I hope I'm not bothering you...I know I said it's okay if you don't feel like answering but I'm worried and I kinda miss talking to you...Did something happen? I have so many questions and I wish I knew what you are doing right now. You know you can always talk to me ok?"

Friede uttered out a frustrated groan, covering his eyes to blend out the sunlight "If I only knew myself what I was doing right now..." It's now a month since he quit his job, he had no back-up plan, but he knew it was the right decision. He felt so unbearably exhausted, he would have lost his mind, if he have stayed in the lab any more minute. But what now? What is it what he want's to do? Honestly? He had no answer to that. He sat up to cast his fishing rod again, staring blankly into the distance. "How many more days you intend to pass this way?" Ludlow curiously asked his grandson "Huh?" Friede replied with a bored tone, not even looking at his gramps. "Youth should not be spent waiting for pray to bite when you can set out and claim it for yourself." Ludlow continued. "You say that, but...Not like I have anything else to do." Friede indifferently let out as something had taken the bait. "It's a big one Friede!" Ludlow called out. After cautiously reeling in whatever was at the other end of the string and with a "Hyah!" Friede sucessfully pulled out a Slowbro in one strong swing. Watching the Pokemon slowly walk past him and jumping back into the water, he let himself fall on his back, heaving out an irritated sigh. "I've got nothing..." he uttered out "You've got it good with your boat, Gramps. You can go anywhere." Now streching his hand towards the blue sky. "You have wings of your own." Ludlow replied. Friede gently patted the head of his charizard who was laying right next to him sleeping. "Even this guy's been in a mood lately." getting a lazy groan in return of his partner. "What should we do?" right at this moment he got a phone call from Ms. Lucca, who was about to show him a new Horizon.

8 month later:

One week has passed since the Rising Volt Tacklers were founded and the Brave Asagi set off for the first time, marking the begin of a long adventure to come. "Argh!! We can't just live from canned food and sandwiches" Orla complained, chewing on some conserved fruits. "It can't be helped nobody of us can cook properly." Friede replied, biting off a big chunk of bread. "Then why don't find a cook for our crew?" Friede tensed up and got suspicious silent for a moment, looking away sadly. "What's wrong!?" Orla could tell her childhood friend is hiding something. Friede had troubled feelings coming up. He tried to not think about the whole situation with Murdock, but judging Orlas look on her face there was no way to dodge this question. So he inhaled deeply before forming his words. "Nothing...or well...it's complicated...I know someone that can cook. I would die for his food, it's so damn delicious but when I quit my job I just left him behind without telling him and..."

"YOU LEFT WITHOUT SAYING ANYTHING? WHY WOULD YOU DO THAT?" the mechanic couldn't believe what she just heard. The sudden yelling from her made him act defensive out of reflex. "See I'm not proud of that and I wish I could change that, but I sadly can't and I already hate myself for that!" he snapped back. "Sorry Friede I didn't wanted to scold you like that" Orla apologized, breaking the silence that had settled in the meeting room. After another short pause Friede shakingly exhaled before he was able to explain what happend back then. "Like I said I ignored his messages, but I literally ignore everything at this time, I didn't knew what I wanted to do, everything seemed so pointless...I just just felt ashamed to tell him I quit my job because I couldn't stand it anymore, when he worked everyday with such passion and joy. I didn't want him to worry or pity me, but what I did in the end is even worse...so eventually he stopped writing at all and I don't blame him...after all this time I can't just start writing him like nothing happend right?" Orla wore a sympathic smile. She could tell it must be hard for Friede to even talk about this so she sqeezed his shoulder gently to assure him. "I don't even know if he still is working in this bakery!" he stated insecurly, burying his face into his arms. "Then let's find out" Friede lifted his head again and gave Orla a confused look "Huh? Did you listen to anything I just told you I..." but Orla grabbed his shoulders so he was forced to look at her. "What is if he is still waiting for you to come back?" She asked her childhood friend with a determind gaze. Friede's eyes flickered to the floor with a sorrowful expression. "Look at us! We haven't talked for years and then BAMM five month ago you suddenly appeared right before me, making the craziest demand." the machanican literally tackle his side with her elbow pretty hard making Friede cry out. "THAT HURT!! ARE YOU CRAZY! What was that for!?" scoffing back at her. "You won't know until you try right?" Orla winked her eye at him. He couldn't help but feel motivated now "You're not gonna let this go,are you?" he said in a defeated tone. But she is right. He needs to put his fear aside and face Murdock once again. Even if he don't wanna be his friend anymore, the least thing he could do is to proper apologize to him.

A few days later they eventually arrived in Galar. The bakery Murdock used to work at was unfortnatly closed down for good so Friede tried to ask the neighberhood if they happen to know anything about this, hoping someone might know were Murdock went. But the only clue they got is that he should still be somewhere in Galar, so they tried to search stratedically by visiting every reastaurant, Cafe or any other shop that could be related to food in any way. Two weeks had passed since they started their endeavor looking for Murdock, but their search only fruited into several dead ends. Today they tried their luck in Wyndon, the most populous city in Galar and home to the biggest Stadium in this region. Heated battle against to current champion are the main attraction. But that's not what they are here for. They had an important mission to fullfill. On top of that they also did finish some jobs in between. Somehow they had to earn money right? Running around all day makes hungry though, so they decided to treat themselve to a nice meal for once and went to another restaurant nearby that an friendly old lady had recommended to them earlier.

Without hesitation they entered the building and were kinda surprised how spacious it was inside. The interior looked quite noble, but simple and not to fancy. Orla and Friede fastly sat down to study the menu, waiting for an waiter to take their order. "Welcome to »Dylan's table« were we serve passion. Can I take your orders?" Friede immediatly froze...This voice...it can't be...He had to take all his courage to look at the waiters face. A very familiar visage awaited him ."M...Murdock!?" The man standing right before them indeed was Murdock, who now just stared at him in shock, needing a moment until realisation hit him. "F...FRIEDE!?? What are you doing here!?? I was worried you know!??" The cook immediatly coverd his mouth because his voice came out louder then he anticipated. Friede wasn't prepared to suddenly talk to him so he didn't know what to say and became nervous "I..I'm so sorry that I left without telling you...actually I was searching for you right now to..." he forcfully got shoved aside mid-sentence. "So you are the cook Friede was raving about!" Orla interrupted, trying to help turning this conversation into a positive one. "W..What!? R—raving about me? Why?" Murdock was so overwhelmed. He thought Friede didn't wanna be his friend anymore so he couldn't believe what he heared. Friede tried to hold Orla back "Stop it you embaressing me!" he pleaded awkwardly. "No I'm actually helping you out here you coward!" she snapped back at the professor holding him at his collar now. Murdock started to feel uneasy. "P..please don't fight here Miss?" Orla let go of Friede so she could focus on the cook again. "Sorry I didn't introduced myself! My name is Orla nice to meet you!" she beamed a smile at him. "My name is Murdock...wait you already knew that! Ahahaha" he awkwardly figured. Orla then went back to Friede, giving him a friendly push.

Watching those two having a friendly quarrle let Murdocks uneasyness and confusion slowly turn into saddness. "I see...that's why you didn't answered..." he whispered to himself with a soft but distressed smile. Friede saw that Murdock was staring at Orla and noticed the sudden mood change. He couldn't help but feel guilty seeing Murdock with such a sad expression. "Orla and I are..." He was interupted by a rather demanding and unpleasent voice. "Murdock what is this ruckus about? I don't pay you for doing small talk with our guest" A man with small stature and grey hair was standing right beside the cook, looking at him furiously. "Aaaahhh I'm sorry Mister Dylan it won't happen again!" Murdock shamefully bowed down. That didn't went unnoticed by Friede and Orla who instantly felt sorry for him. "You better go back to your work right now, or you have to deal with the consequnces. Did I made myself clear?" the manr angrily voiced. Murdocks body flinched at this. "Yes Mister Dylan!" he responded with a shaking voice, still bowing down, sweat dropping down his face. The restaurant owner then gave a sinsiter look to Friede, who gave him an annoyed look in return before walking away to talk to others cutomers. Only when Mister Dylan was out of sight Murdock raised his head. "S..Sorry Friede I need to go back into the kitchen" the cook didn't even looked at Friede and was about to hastly leave. Friede felt his heart stopping and filling with fear. Not again...he won't leave him again...not this time. "WAIT!" he yelled after his friend. The other man stopped in his track and turned around hesitantly, still wearing a anxious expression. The look on his face broke Friedes heart. "Can we have a proper talk after you finsihed work?" the white haired man expressed his request. Friede could tell that Murdock had troubled thoughts at the way he tried to avoid eye-contact. "W..well I would love to, but I won't be finished till 11pm...I can't possible ask you to wait that long..." putting on a rather forced smile he then exused himself to vanish back into the kitchen.

Friede let himself fall back into his seat, heaving out a frustrated sigh "Nice Friede...that was the cringest conversation you ever had." his eyes sliding shut. "That poor sweetie!" Friede and Orla turned their attention in direction of the voice. At the table next to them was sitting an old lady. "May I ask what you mean with that Ma'am?" Friede curiously asked. The old lady now faced the duo "You were looking for him earlier right?" The lady seriously asked, wearing a serene smile. "You are...?" The old lady kept smiling at him and Friede eventually recognised her. "Wait is that the reason you recommended this restaurant to us earlier?" he asked astonished and the old lady nod her head in affirmation. Friede face then tensed up a bit "I met Murdock three years ago, but through personal circumstances I haven't talked to him in the past year." while he said that he let his gaze wander to look at the floor. "I wanted to apologize to him for treating him like that.." he paused a moment biting his lip. "I want to be his friend again" He couldn't help but feel like he had just completely exposed himself in front of everyone. The old lady watched the white-haird man closely and tenderly smiled "Then will you safe his heart?" Friedes eyes widend "Save...his heart?" he repeated. What on earth did happen during the past year? His heart started to beat faster, just thinking about what Murdock might have had gone through in his absence, while also believing he got ditched by his best friend...he gulped down his guilt for a moment and made a decision. "Can you please tell me?" his eyes were literally begging for an answer. "Do you really wanna know young man?" The old lady asked in retutn, but this time with a serious look on her face. "Yes Ma'am please tell me what you know"" he replied, bowing down with determinating. Her smile softened again and her eyes now slide to the other guests. "Don't you find it odd that no other Waiters or Waitress are here tending to the customers?" Friede and Orla looked around exermining the situation. "Now that you mention it...where are they?" the mechanic wondered. "They all quit half a year ago, that poor sweetie is the only one left. He basically serves the customers, cooks, cleans everything all alone everyday until late at night. I live near by so I know when he comes here and when he lefts. He goes home around 11pm and starts working at 3am each morning, except sunday." Friede was shocked, he couldn't believe what he had just heard. "WHAT!!! THAT'S CRAZY!! There is no way that he can be happy with that!" The professor was completely shaken up emotionally.

Unfortunatly their conversation got interrupted by the restaurant owner. "Dear custumors I'm afraid I have to ask you to leave." you could hear the malicious undertone in his voice. "And why is that so?" Orla immadiatly snapped back, seeing that her friend isn't emotionally in the right mind right now. "This table has a reservation and like you sadly see all other seats are taken. I'm sorry but I must ask you to leave." Orla angrily stood up, banging her hands on the table. "Come on old man you just made that up!?" she was about to throw hands but got hold back by Friede. "It's okay we go." he had a serious look on his face so she left it at that and accepted his decision without protest.

They now were standing outside. "Are you just going to give up on him like that!?" Orla asked Friede firmly. "Of couse not. But if the old lady is right then us staying would have just gave him extra unneccessary work." Orla let out a sigh "Your not wrong." she paused for a brief moment. "So what's the plan?" she continued. Friede didn't answered immediatly, instead he started to slowly stroll around the corner of the restaurant, giving her a signal to follow him. "He said he has to work till 11pm right?" he asked rhetorically while sitting down on a small bench, making himself comforteable. "I'm just gonna wait for him here, so I can intercept him as soon as he's off work." he voiced his plan. Orla saw the determination in his eyes and gave him and reasuring smile. "Okay then I gonna head back to the ship for now." she said getting a nod of him in return. "You got this!" the mechanic then added winking at him before excusing herself. Friede couldn't help to let out a small insecure chuckle. How did she know that he still felt nervous?

At the same time Murdock was about to prepare the dishes for Friede and his companion, realising he forgot to actually take their order. So he tried to rush outsite to get them but got stopped by his boss entering the kitchen who inform him that they suddenly left. The cook wanted to asked for the reason, but he already got scolded earlier so he swollowed down his concerns. With an uneasy heart he then continued his daily work. Always putting on a smile, no matter how crushed he might felt. When he happened to pass by the table of the old lady, she secretly told him the truth. At least he was kinda relieved now, knowing that Friede didn't leave because of him turning down his request to talk. Still...For some reason work felt even longer today than usual. The hours passed and after finally being finished with cleaning up the cook change out of his work clothes and then locked the door behind him, heaving out an exhausted sigh. He couldn't get todays situation out of his mind. "Will I see him again...?" he let out a slight yawn. "I probably should go home and get some rest." The moment he turned around the corner a happy "There you are! I waited for you!" greeted him. Murdock was caught so off-guard that he jumped a little, lost his balance and landed on his butt. "D--Dont scare me like that." He pressed his hand against his racing heart trying to calm it down. "Sorry I didn't mean to startle you." Friede answerd while offering his hand to help the other man stand up. Murdock hesitated at first but then took the offering hand. "Don't tell me you waited all day for me to finish work?" Murdock asks as Friede pulls him onto his feet "What if I did?" Friede mischievously returend the question. Murdock just gave him an unimpressed look. "Then you'd be an idiot!" the cook teased him. Friede wanted to defend himself but a sneeze slipped out. Murdock gave him ja udging look before he started walking, giving Friede a waving signal to follow him "Come you idiot I gonna make you a warm tea." Friede wanted to protest, he didn't want to cause him any inconvenience or add to his already imense workload. But this talk is already overdue so he sprinted after Murdock. Ten Minutes later they have arrived at the small appartment Murdock lives in. Friede started to analyse his surroundings out of habit. The space seemed barley enough for one person. It had one big room that were divided up in different areas. To his surprise the kitchen was almost none existent and only had the bare minimum, including a fridge, a stove and a sink. The rest of the flat was filled with a bed, a small couch and a table. Other than that there only were a cabinet and a cupboard. At least there was a toilett with a shower. Considering how much Murdock is working every day it's likely that he hardly spends any time here, besides sleeping.

Make yourself at home I'm gonna brew us some tea." Murdock suggested before fiddeling around in the kitchen. Friede continued studying his surroundings, everything was furnished so...plain and lifeless...it doesn't suit Murdock at all. He felt his heart sink again. While his eyes kept sliding through the apartment, two framed pictures caught his attention. On one of them was a woman holding a baby. "That must be his sister and his niece he told me about." He thought. The other frame though was covered with a big layer of dust, making it hard to recognize anything. As he sat down on the couch, Murdock promptly came back with a hot cup of coffee instead. "Sorry seems like I'm out of tea so I made you some coffee, hope that also suits you." He put the cup down on the table before he made himself comfortable next to Friede. The white-haired man thankfully grabbed the cup, taking a small sip. "Thank you Murdock." He beamed a smile at him and the other man returned the favor. They now sat there silently for a while.

"You know..." Murdock paused for a second fiddling with his own cup of coffee "I was thinking you were busy, but I didn't expect that you find yourself a girlfriend. She seems like a very nice person and she is pretty. I'm happy for you." Somehow saying this felt like a lie, but why?! Isn't it a good thing that his friend found happiness? Before he had the chance to fall deeper into his thoughts he was interrupted by Friede heavely choking on his coffee trying to catch his breath "Easy, easy! Was it too hot? Are you okay!?" Murdock asked worried, while gently patting Friedes back. "You think Orla is my girlfriend?!" Friede spurted out, coffee drippng out his mouth. The room got dead silent and Murdocks brain slowly processed the new information until it made »CLICK« "W—Wait she is not!??" Murdock stuttered dumbfounded. "No we are just childhood friends" Friede squeezed out, having to cough slightly again. "Oh..." Murdock now felt stupid for even assuming that, but for some reason he couldn't stop smiling!? "H..hold on! Why I'm so happy about that? It's noit like I'm in love with him or anything..." Murdock stopped his thoughts right there. What on earth was he thinking just now? he started to question his own sanity. Friede felt kinda lost watching Murdock switching from smiling to heavely shaking his head several times, wondering about that sudden mood change. Why would he be so happy about the fact that Orla isn't his girlfriend? It doesn't made sense to him...unless? NO NO NO NO!! That can't be it! There is no way that he... Friede now looked at Murdock, shook his head and then looked at Murdock again. When their eyes eventually met for a moment, both quickly averted their gaze again, slightly flushed. "I'm sorry I left without telling you." Friede apologized breaking the silenced that had settled above the pair. Murdock on the other hand remained suspiciously quiet and Friede quickly found the reason. The cook was barley awake, struggeling to keep his eyes from falling shut and his head getting heavier with any second. Friede gently squeezed Murdocks shoulder to get his attention. And it worked, the cook tensed up for a moment, blinking his eyes open until his vision wasn't blury anymore. "S..Sorry can you repeat what you just said? I'm afraid I was out of it for a minute." He had to admit. Friede automatically wore an understanding smile. "It's okay. You must be really tired. We can talk tomorrow. Come with me!" Friede grabbed Murdocks hand and guided him to his bed. He could tell that his friend wanted to protest and listen to what he had to say instead, but was simply to tired to do so. "It's already late...you can stay here if you want...would love to talk to you again..." Murdock muttered already half asleep. Moments later the cook was soundly snoring and Friede watched him for a while...he really looked exhausted, burnt-out even. He never saw Murdock with such a fatigued face. Sadness filled his heart, when he thought about how long this situation already made him suffer. But there is unfortunatly little he could do about this right now, except of letting his friend rest. Before Friede settled himself down on the couch, he texted Orla that he won't come back today, so she won't start worrying. Casting one last look at Murdocks sleeping silhouette before turning off the lights.

The next morning: Friede was awakened by the sunlight blending his eyes. After a sharp yawn he sat up, stretching his arms, before opening his eyes. Still being drowsy he had to think where he actually was. "Right I'm in Murdock's appartment." the professor noted, staring at the empty bed in the corner. The clock told him it was 10am so of course Murdock already left for work. He got distracted by his grumbling stomach. He didn't plan to stay over night, so he didn't bring anything to eat. He played with the idea to quickly go into town to get somethng, when his eyes spotted a note an the table. It was from Murdock.

Good morning Friede. I hope I didn't woke you up when I left. I prepared some sandwitches and put them in the fridge so feel free to grab some.

A tear was dripping down his cheek. Friede was relieved to see that Murdocks still is the caring sweetheart he used to be, but he also felt that he didn't deserve this kindness right now. His growling stomach made it hard to resist a homemade sandwich from Murdock, so he gladly took one.

Hour later it was almost time for Murdock to finish work so Friede decided to surprise him and pick him up. And he knew it was the right decision when he saw the overjoyed smile on the cooks face the second he spotted him in the distance. They walked back to the apartment doing some Small Talk. Stepping inside, Murdock directly rushed over to the kitchen to heat up the stove. "I brought some leftovers from work, so let me heat it up real quick and let us eat first." The cook suggested. "Sounds great." Friede agreed. And soon after they were stuffing their faces. "Mhhmmm delicious." Friede praised, taking another fork full. "Your food is still as good as I remember it." he kept praising while chewing blissfully. A smile formed on Murdocks lips watching his friend gulping down the food like in old times. "I'm glad to know that." the chef said realizing how much he had missed hanging out with Friede.

"Did you ever think about quitting your current job?" Friede suddenly asked with a serious look on his face. "What do you mean?" the cook was visually irriteated. "I'm asking if you are happy to work under this terrible circumstances?" the professor got more precise. "It's just how life works. Having to work hard for your money is normal." Murdock justified, somehow dodging the question. "Being unhappy isn't normal!" Friede kept pressing. "Why are you suddenly asking stuff like that?" Murdock countered feeling more and more pressured. Friede could tell he really tried to avoid giving him a proper answer so he decided to tell him the truth. "I run into your boss earlier, when I was on my way to pick you up from work and I might have giving him my honest opinion."

"YOU DID WHAT!?" Murdock jumped of his seat in disbelieve, eagerly waiting for Friede to explain himself, so the white-haired man had no other choice but to tell him. "See your boss immadiatly scoffed at me demandig that I better stop corrupting your mind with delusional thoughts, so I naturally snapped back at him, telling him what a big scumbag he is and that he should be thankful that you haven't quit yet and..." Friede got cut off. "BUT I NEED THIS JOB! " Murdock couldn't hold back his anger. "Not if you join us! I'm sure you will be way more happy when...!" Friede tried to argue but got cut off yet again. Murdock was furious, rage filling his body and eventually he snapped. "YOU CAN'T JUST COME BACK AFTER A YEAR AND DECIDE WHATS GOOD FOR ME!" Friedes whole body flinched. He never wittmessed Murdock losing his cool before and he would lie if he wasn't scared right now. "YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT I HAVE BEEN THROUGH ALL THIS TIME!!" the cook's voice was giving in so he was forced to speak softer. "I thought you stopped writing because I was annoying to you...and then you suddenly appeared again yesterday...I didn't knew how to feel.. but I still was so happy to see you again and hoped we can go back like we used to be, but you understand nothing so stop acting like you still know me, because you don't! You didn't even cared enough to answer my messages."

Murdock only stopped talking because he was out of breath and shocked about himself...it's the first time he lost his temper like that. Friede just looked at the floor totally defeated. Murdock was right he didn't had the right to come back into his life after literally vanishing without saying a word and neglacting his best friend, if he even has the right to think about him like that. After some time Murdock had catched his breath again and more calmed down. "Sorry...I didn't wanted to leash out on you like that." the cook apoligized, his voice being crisp from yelling. Friede was full of regrets right now. "No I should be the one being sorry...your right I'm a terrible friend. I quit my job a year ago, because i couldn't bear working there anymore. I lost any motivation with it and went more lazy with every day passing not knowing what I want to do and I was so selfinserted with my own problems that I didn't even think about how you must have felt after I just left...I'm truly sorry" He couldn't look into Murdocks eyes and the cook also couldn*t look into his. Friede then continued "The only thing I know is that you deserve better and that I can't bear see you like this...the moment I saw your forced smile I knew...you lost your passion...and it broke my heart when I realized it's my fault...if I had just talked to you properly than you wouldn't be overworking yourself now...you have all the right to hate me." Friede had to pause for a moment, because his voice started to tremble. "You wanted to make everyone smile with your food right? But do you think they are happy when they see your tired and forced smile?" Murdock still couldn't look at Friede. "I don't hate you...I could never hate you...I just have so many thoughts right know, I'm confused and...I just need some time alone to think. I hope you understand so could you please go for now...I should go to bed soon anyways because I have work tomorrow." The brown-haird man was gripping his pants, trying to hold his tears back. Friede silently walked to the door, when he opened it and was about to go outside Murdocks heart sank, fearing his friend might not come back and leave him forever. "I also hoped we could go back to the way we were, instead I hurted your feelings even more and I'm sorry...but..." Friede had to hold his tears back "...we will dock with the Brave Asagi at the bay for three more days...I marked the exact point on your map...If you feel like giving me another chance I would love if we could at least talk again once more before we head to another region." he finished before closing the door. When Friede was gone Murdock couldn't hold back any longer and everything bursted out of him. He started sobbing heavely, tears and snot running down his face, while he felt his heart getting crushed under all this weight.

It was already 11pm and Orla started to get worried waiting for Friede to return. When he eventuallly arrived at the Brave Asagi she joyfully greeted him with a "Welcome back!! How did your conversation go?" but Friede didn't gave her a respond, walking past her with a depressed face and went straight to his room. "Guess it didn't went well." Orla sadly noted and followed him out of concern, but when she heard quiet sobs coming from his room she decided to give him some privacy and left.

The next day:

Murdock was so restless all night that he couldn't fall asleep and also forgot to set his alarm. So imagine the shock when he realized that it already was past 5am "Damn I overlslept!" He dressed up real fast and left his apartment in a hurry. When he arrived at the restaurant he saw his boss trying to stop the customers from leaving, assuring them the cook will arrive any minute. When he noticed Murdock walking in he promptly scolded him. "What do you think you are doing? You are two hours too late! You bringing shame to my restaurant" Murdock lowered his head. "Sorry I overslept it wont happen again." he tried to appease his boss. "IT BETTER WONT! As a punishment I gonna cut your payment for this month!" Mister Dylan decided. "But then I can't pay my rent." Murdock pleaded but Mister Dylan immadiatly shut him down. "That's not my problem! If you wanna blame someone than blame this silly excuse of a man. This white-haired scum didn't know his place and tried to criticise me. I would advise you to stay away from him, he is a bad influence for you and now stop wasting my time and already go to the kitchen." Mister Dylan demanded.

"No." Murdock said without thinking, like his mouth started to move on it's own. "What was that?" his boss asked, trying to further intimidate him and Murdock flinched in fear, his body trembeling...suddenly remembering Friedes words from yesterday. "He was right....And I yelled at him....I'm so stupid..!" he thought, still trembeling. "I said No." he then repeated. After sharply inhaling he finally could face his boss. "Actually I'm here to quit. I won't work for you anymore!" The cook made up his mind. "You are opposing your boss?" the owner started but Murdock kept going. He still was afraid but this is what his heart is telling him to do right now. "Yes I do and I should have done that way earlier!! You are the most heartless and greediest person I know and I feel ashamed that I didn't realized that until now. I wasted so much time here and almost forgot why I started to cook in the first place." The owner got furious after listening to that. "You want to quit? Than I have news for you! You are fired! Take your stuff and then get your out of my sight" his now ex-boss insisted and with a "I will gladly do so!" Murdock packed his belongings. When he finally stepped outside the restaurant he felt like a heavy weight falling down his shoulders.

Back at Murdocks appartment:

"What was I thinking!?" Murdock restlessly paced around his room, trying to not freak out "You just quit your job without even talking to Friede first! What if he changed his mind and doesn't want you to join anymore. I wouldn't blame him after I yelled at him like that and said such horrible things." All his thoughts just came bubbeling out unfiltered. Murdock felt overwhelmed, unable to calm down and he just begged for a sign. His walking circles became bigger with every loop so it was unavoideable that he gonna bump against his cupboard at some point. With a loud »BAMM« he was now laying on the cold floor. After a while of just staring at the ceiling he noticed a picture frame right next to him that he must have knocked over when hitting the cupboard. He sat up to grab it. "That sure is a lot of dust..." he noted while wiping away said dust. His eyes widend when he recocgnized the picture in it. "That's..." Murodock bit his lips and almost started crying. It was a photo of Friede and him hugging each other. He still could remember when they made this photo. It was at the very day they first met. He had invited Friede to his home and offered to cook for him after he found him almost starving in the woods. Murdock felt a bit awkward back then to make a selfie with someone he barly knew, but Friede insisted that it would be a great memory. And right now he is so unbelieveable thankful for that. Tears start running down his cheeks, dripping on the glass with the picture he was holding firmly. "I'm such a fool..." Murdock wiped away his tears and steadied himself. Putting the picture frame back were it belonged, he grabbed his phone to look up the description Friede mentioned yesterday. His face went pale when he saw this disaster. It was a map from Galar with a big red circle were the beach is located. >Somewhere here< was written next to it. "DID HE REALLY THINK THAT WOULD BE ENOUGH!?" Doesn't he know how large this beach is!?" He had to chuckle right after, because in a sense this is just like Friede is. Still nervous and uncertain about the future he opened the door to apologize to Friede, hoping he still want him at his side.

Later at the same day:

Friede was resting his arms and head on the reiling, staring into the distance with an empty look. He couldn't sleep at all last night and haven*t eaten yet either. "Friendships that have weathered storms are the ones that shine brightest when the sun reemerges." Ludlow said sitting near by trying to catch some fish. "You say that but..." Friede muttered when he suddenly got pushed from behind by Orla, actually making him fall overboard. "Thank me later!" she said mischievously. In fact the brunette already noticed Murdock standing at the entrance for a while. The cook got cold feet and was debating with himself if he should knock or not, when he suddenly heared his name."You better catch him Murdock!" Orla shouted from above with a big grin. Murdocks gaze immediately shot upwards just to see Friede falling towards him. Without thinking he catched his friend and through the impact they both were now laying on the ground. "A...are you okay?" the cook carfully asked looking at Friede who instantly jumped off him after realizing he was laying on top of Murdock. "Sorry about that!" he then apologized.

After a short period of silence both of them suddenly bursted out into laughter. "That was a hell of a Welcome." Murdock snorted out. "You should have seen your face." Friede wheezed. "Sorry for not expecting that you get yeeted at me!" Murdock huffed back. "That certainly wasn't on my list today either." Friede stated still chuckling. Their laughing fit got interrupted by Friedes loudly growling stomach. Murdock just looked unsurprised at his friend who was slightly blushing.The chef let out a serene sigh. "I think I need to stay or you will keep on with your unhealthy eating habit." he teasingly figured. A big grin now appeared on Friedes face. "Guess you have a new job now." he cheerfully symphatized, filling Murdocks heart with joy. "But more importantly...!" the professor paused for a moment to look at his friend. "Welcome to your new home." Friede added with the most genuine smile. Murdocks eyes widened "My...new..home?" that honstely sounded wonderful. His heart was dancing of joy right now. "Thanks for having me." Murdock replied smiling brightly.

Seems like he found a new Horizon.

[chainofclovers]

Ted Lasso 2x7 Thoughts

“Headspace” is a very apt name for this episode, in which we learned almost no new information about the characters in Ted Lasso but learned a great deal about the way many characters’ brains work.

Most of the episodes this season have been so full of new information (if you wanna know something about how my brain works, the critique that early s2 episodes lack conflict does not compute), so full of dramatic irony (Sam and Rebecca don’t realize they’re messaging each other on Bantr! Rebecca’s voicemail to Ted doesn’t actually indicate that she spent a significant portion of time panicking and looking for him!), and misunderstandings that it was really nice to spend a bit over thirty minutes on an episode with very easily mappable plotlines.

Ted and Sharon and Therapy

Ordinarily in my little recaps I talk about the characters as real people making their own decisions, because every character on this show feels very real. But I have to take a minute to just, like, celebrate the acting in these scenes. Sarah Niles and Jason Sudeikis brought the perfect energy to each of their three scenes in Dr. Sharon’s office.

The drinking bird toy! The way he switches from nodding along with it to shaking his head no while the bird continues to shake its head yes, just like Ted shook his head no while saying yes, they should hire a sports psychologist! The way he finally stills the bird in the final therapy scene in the episode...but performatively throws the tissue box.

(Someone is going to need those tissues, Ted. It might be you.)

I also LOVE that this is the first time we see Sharon in an extended scene that takes place in a session. We’ve seen her rapport with the players, we’ve seen the results, and we’ve seen the things she does to make someone feel comfortable at the start of a session, and that’s all the information WE need to know to feel confident in her excellence as a psychologist. But because Ted hasn’t been able to fully appreciate those things, it’s so fitting that his sessions are a time for us to learn more about Sharon’s approach along with him.

It’s just...such good acting. The way she tells him he doesn’t need to worry. The kind of charming (but not performatively charming, just...charming) smile on his face when he claims he knows he doesn’t need to worry. And the way his voice changes a little as the conversations progress—deeper, less controlled, with some very genuine Midwestern “ma’am”s.

Sam and Rebecca and Awkwardness

Sam and Rebecca were so awkward when talking to each other in the hallway! If I had been in that hallway I would have been physically unable to stop myself from doing something even more awkward and diverting to make it stop. (I say this as someone who is neither disgusted by or delighted by the direction of the Bantr storyline. This is a good story about two good people who are in very different places in their lives existing in both a manufactured connection and the real, and very different, connection they have when they aren’t glued to their phones. This story is supposed to be awkward and uncomfortable.)

I did like the parallels of their friends sort of urging them on/coaching them through the inherent panic of the three dots that appear and disappear—a source of panic whether you’re the one creating the dots on the other screen or watching them and feeling at their mercy.

I like that in this episode both Ted and Rebecca are loudly broadcasting “I AM NOT IN THE RIGHT HEADSPACE FOR A ROMANTIC RELATIONSHIP”—Ted with his rueful awareness that Michelle would be upset if she heard him still referring to her as his wife, Rebecca with her insistence that relationships are doomed and awful even though she’s talking to two people (Keeley and Higgins) in committed relationships.

Roy and Keeley and Space

This plot was a really wonderful...counterpoint? complement? to the places both Ted and Rebecca are in as Ted starts to come to terms with the fact that he’s going to have to deal with his past and the losses he’s suffered (including the loss of his marriage) and as Rebecca questions whether she’s really going to embark on the next phase of a relationship with someone whose identity she does not know.

Because Ted and Rebecca are stuck apart, it was great to see Keeley struggle with needing space from Roy without worrying for a second about whether or not this challenge was a threat to their relationship. (Keeley and Roy aren’t used to long haul relationships, so they both see it as a threat, but the audience doesn’t have to.)

There was so much going on in that boot room. I love the coexisting realities there—Rebecca and Keeley and Higgins treating the boot room as their personal room for secret smoking, but as the crowd grows all these other unspoken dynamics emerge (it’s been two days since the panic attack and this is the first time we see Ted and Rebecca in the same room and there’s no evidence that they’ve talked about what happened with the panic attack or Rebecca’s parents or any of the big stuff).

Everything about Keeley’s plotline this episode reminded me of how Ted and Keeley are so similar (and, to a lesser extent, Rebecca and Roy are so similar). Rebecca and Roy both tend to write things off (Rebecca is so certain any relationship she has will be doomed, but it’s just because of how hurt she already is; Roy wanted to convince himself he was happier as a pundit than as a coach, but it’s just because he was scared of how much he wanted to be back on on the pitch), only able to deal with things when a safe person like Ted or Keeley sort of startles growth out of them. (We talk a lot about how Rebecca should be in therapy, but Roy should too.) And Ted and Keeley! Everything’s great, everything’s sunny, but look at how Keeley stands on her couch and screams in sadness and anger when she blows up at Roy and he leaves.

This time, things work out between Roy and Keeley because he figures out what Keeley was trying to communicate and respects what she needs, but in the future she’s going to have to figure out how to articulate herself more clearly. (And so will Ted...not only in therapy with Sharon, but as everything with the other coaches and the team and Will and basically everyone in his life come to light.)

Nate and Beard and Twitter-Insecurity-Rage

Ahhhhhhhhh.

This plotline made me feel almost as nervous for Ted (the things he doesn’t know) and Beard (the things he knows) as it did for Nate and Colin and Will and everyone.

At first I was really bothered by the repetition of Nate checking Twitter. We know! He’s on Twitter a lot now that he’s semi-famous! He’s obsessed! But then it occurred to me that it’s extremely perfect that Nate checking Twitter becomes this silent refrain building him up or tearing him down based on the latest 280-character compliment or take-down. Because this is how the internet works! You get obsessed with something on it and then check it a million times per day until you feel sick. It could be a dating app, or a trending story, or almost anything. If you check it often enough, the internet won’t even have anything truly new for you...it just feels like it does. So the repetition of Nate scrolling Twitter wasn’t meant to deliver us new information, but rather to mimic the old information coming through again and again.

I feel so deeply for Nate, who’s brilliant about football but unfit to coach because the power dynamics of coaching are a totally foreign concept to someone like him, who relies entirely on external inputs to take his actions. Ted and Beard and Roy all go and learn things and bring them back to the pitch, but none of them have had the capacity to teach Nate how to do this. Even Nate’s private thoughts, which he wrote down during s1, only come to light when Ted prompts him. And when your external inputs are coming from social media and an unappreciative father and a hyper-awareness of insult after years spent on the receiving end of bullying...it’s very dangerous. Maybe even literally physically dangerous.

I also feel so deeply for everyone who interacts with Nate right now, particularly Will.

Some Bonus but Never Extraneous Trent Crimm

Trent in the pub made me NERVOUS. Seeing him in this new place where Ted goes to wind down, almost coaching Ted through lying to him about having had food poisoning?! When they both clearly know that isn’t what happened?!?

It felt very fitting that this uncomfortable yet kind-of-mercifully-executed lie takes place towards the end of an episode full of such positive and negative growth for the characters. Such movement. It felt all wrong (in a good way), like covering something new and smooth and precious with spackle because maybe you actually wanna paint something else after all even though it won’t serve you in the long run to do it. To paraphrase Dr. Sharon, the truth will set you free but first it will piss you off, and Ted’s conversation with Trent is a reminder of all the layers there are to cut through on the way to the truth.

If Apple TV could simply release 2x8 - 2x12 this week, I would bargain with something crazy and miserable like giving up caffeine until October 8, the air date for the season finale. I continue to love this season and to feel the serenity of watching excellent actors execute on excellent scripts...but we’re getting to the point where the momentum’s built up and is heading to ever-scarier places, and I neeeeeeeeeed to knoooooooow.

[themaribatpit]

Jasonette July Day 1: Suit Up

EDIT: Written by The Maribat Pit Content warning: Swearing, there is a quote that is a reference to Titans!Jason, references to Chloe’s actions in “Battle of the Miraculous”. Rated: T Inspired by: that one Tumblr post that suggested what would happen if Jason used a Lucky Charm.   Prompt: Suit Up The kidnappers had Marinette, and Jason knew that desperate times called for desperate measures.  Marinette hadn’t returned home from her mission the night before, Plagg returned that morning without her.  He explained that Marinette had managed to free most of the kidnapped kids, but she was captured shortly after being depowered.  They assumed she was one of the kids that hadn’t managed to escape. 

Jason went from slightly worried to absolutely frantic.  Roy was still in rehab, and there was no time to call in the Bat clan for help, it was up to him.  In his mind, the more time they wasted, the closer she came to sharing his fate.  “Great, just fucking fantastic”, he muttered to himself “the bad guys have the girl you love and you’re here looking for her jewelry”.  If he went in guns blazing as the Red Hood, they would probably just kill her instantly and without a second thought.  That being said, she would probably kill him later for tearing through the apartment like this.   He was flipping the bed on its side, opening all the drawers and pulling out all of the contents.  He was trying to find the Chinese Miracle Box, thinking maybe someone in there would help him if it meant saving their Guardian.  He remembered a conversation they had when his curiosity about her powers got the better of him.

“So what if you were to, hypothetically, use several of these things at once?” He remembered asking.

“I did once, the Multimouse clones were using different fusions.  Wearing them all at once can be pretty draining, even the fusions can be pretty taxing at the best of times if I’m not careful” she explained.

She also explained what happened when her old classmate tried to put on various Miraculous at once and started demanding power from them. Suffice it to say she didn’t get her way.  So, by the sound of things, Tikki was his best bet, or he’d probably end up pissing off the other ones like Chloe did.

He found the box in her closet and opened it, to find that Plagg’s ring was missing and so were Tikki’s earrings.  He closed the box and pushed it back into the closet, before searching the room for the earrings.  She had said something before about Plagg and Tikki being the least suspicious of him.  Probably because their combined magic was what created the Lazarus pits, the very reason he wasn’t still six feet under.  He finally noticed the small red and black box sitting on the chest of drawers, and he popped it open to find the earrings inside.  He wasted no time putting the studs in one ear, before a pink ball of light appeared in front of him. The ball of light turned into Tikki who gave a little stretch and yawn before being startled to see Jason instead of Marinette in front of her. “Hey Tikki, sorry, no time to explain but Marinette’s in trouble” he spluttered, “please I need your help, I wouldn’t be asking otherwise”.

“If that’s true, then there’s no time to waste, let’s go!” Tikki exclaimed, “Just say the words and I’ll help you.” Jason’s mind suddenly drew a blank, as he tried to remember what words Marinette used to transform into Ladybug.  

“Bug Prism Power Make Up?” he tried.

“He doesn’t know the magic words?” Plagg asked slyly, “our Guardian’s life is on the line and he doesn’t know the magic words”.

“I know that you’d make a nice chew toy for Brutus”, Jason snapped as he tried to think.  “Go go Lucky Charm?” he tried, Tikki shook her head.

“Lucky charm usually comes a bit later” she rubbed the back of her head, “keep trying, if Marinette is in trouble, then she needs our help”. 

“Okay let me think, uh…It’s Magic Time? Ladybug Up? In brightest day, in blackest night...?” He kept throwing out suggestions, but Tikki continued to shake her head.  “Uh, Shazam?” he had to give that one a try at least once, Tikki sighed.

Tikki thought it was admirable watching him at least trying to figure it out, even if Plagg was no help at that moment.  It was clear to the little Kwami, she didn’t need to look that hard to know that this boy cared deeply for Marinette, even if he was hesitant to admit it at first.  Tikki remembered gently encouraging Marinette to confess her feelings towards him, while Roy and Jason’s brothers took a more…direct approach.  

“All right Jason, I’ll tell you the magic words but first,” Tikki told him and they both heard the Kwami’s stomach growl, breaking the awkward silence in the room.  Jason remembered why Marinette usually kept a cookie on hand whenever she brought Tikki along, while the faint smell of cheese usually meant Plagg was in tow instead.  

“Come on, let’s go get you a cookie” Jason said, “and some cheese for you” he shot Plagg a slightly irritated look.  As Jason looked around the kitchen, the only cookies and cheese they had were the cheap stuff.  Tikki tried to be polite about the fact that the oreo wasn’t going to cut it, Plagg just turned up his little cat nose at the processed American cheese. “Sorry Tikki, Marinette’s been a bit busy lately,” he told her before rounding on Plagg “what’s your problem?”

“You don’t happen to have any camembert, do you?” he asked, still refusing to even look at the slice of processed cheese.

“Camembert? Who was your last user?” Jason asked incredulously.  Desperate times were calling for even more desperate measures, “just hang in there Marinette,” he thought.

Jason wouldn’t be racing over to Wayne Manor if it wasn’t a dire emergency. Tikki was safely tucked away in his jacket pocket, while Plagg was clinging to the hem of his jacket as it billowed behind him.  Jason brought his motorbike to a stop just outside the gates, before hopping off darting past Damian, petting a sleeping Alfred the cat in his lap.  Right now, he was hoping Alfred the human was baking something that would catch the Kwami’s eye.  Sadly, he was not, a note on the kitchen door explained he wouldn’t be back until tomorrow.  Sadly, this couldn’t wait until tomorrow.  He opened the kitchen door, the cookies from Alfred’s last batch were stored in a cookie jar on top of the fridge.  There was one cookie left, he unzipped his pocket and gestured to the cookie in the jar.  Jason reached up and grabbed the jar, before opening it and grabbing the cookie inside.  He also reached into the fridge and grabbed the camembert for Plagg.  With the Kwami munching on their snacks of choice, he dashed out of the kitchen. Plagg had practically inhaled the wheel of cheese all at once, and glided alongside him. Meanwhile, Tikki clung to the cookie with one hand and the hem of Jason’s pocket with the other. 

That morning, Bruce was not expecting to see Jason rushing past him.  He wasn’t expecting to see a half-eaten chocolate chip cookie threatening to fly out of his jacket pocket.  “Hi, can’t talk now, Marinette needs help, bye.” He called before disappearing down the hallway. Jason dashed past Dick who had just woken up, and Tim was on his way to the kitchen for some more coffee. 

“Was that the last cookie?” Dick asked, slightly groggily.

“Oh that had better not be the last cookie” Tim groaned, someone had better be dying if that was the case.

Jason rushed to his motorcycle, and slammed the gate shut behind him before hopping on and putting on his helmet. Tikki was halfway through munching on the cookie, when she gave him a quick rundown of the powers that she would be giving him.  Jason knew that the Miraculous granted the user enhanced speed, strength and endurance, he just hadn’t thought there would come a day when he would have to use their power.  It was probably for the best that their guardian didn’t choose him when he was 13, for reasons that a bunch of guards were about to find out very soon.

Meanwhile, Marinette found herself in a cage inside a warehouse.  There were two men guarding the cage, neither of them knew that Marinette was the girl in the black leather catsuit. They caught her just as the clock had run out on her powers, and they assumed she was one of the kids that had been captured.  She was a petite young woman, and they found her dressed in a polka dotted hoodie, shorts and tights.  She sent Plagg to go get help, and he had been gone for a few hours now.  She was getting increasingly antsy,  Jason was probably worried sick about her.  

Jason arrived at the suspected gang hideout as fast as could, leapt off his bike and grappled to a vantage point. “Ok, relatively small time trafficking racket. Now where is Pixie Pop?” Jason thought to himself, scanning the area from his vantage point. “Plagg, go find Marinette, and tell her to not transform until I arrive.”  Plagg flew out of Jason’s pocket and made his way there.  “Alright Tikki, what's the magic word?” The Kwami flew out of Jason’s pocket as he spoke, Tikki glided to Jason’s ear and whispered to him the phrase. Jason repeated “Spots On” and felt power coursing through his veins. It felt like Venom without the addictive or berserk tendencies, pure energy was flowing through him. He felt the uncontrollable urge to pose and move with the flow of energy, doing a flourish of kicks and punches.  It ended with him raising his left leg to his head, as if it was a vertical split and slamming it down. “Owwwwwwwwwwww” Jason groaned, “My thighs were not meant to do that.” He was not expecting the compulsive flourishes for the transformation itself.

Jason looked at his reflection in a nearby puddle, he could see he was wearing a full spotted suit and domino mask like Ladybug, yet his leather jacket stayed during the transformation and received its own ladybug pattern. Jason sucked up the pain and pushed onwards to the gang hideout.

Jason snuck in through a vent and approached a large main room, housing most if not all of the guards and their “merchandise” with cages strewn across the room with mostly women and children locked up. He finally sees Marinette, alive but imprisoned in a cage with a few other people in a corner. Jason needed a distraction so that Marinette could transform into Lady Noire. He had to do something to take the attention off every single person in the room. 

Jason sighed and thought of a plan, it may not be the most flattering, but it worked and it would not be so threatening as cutting out the lights. He burst from the air vents and landed in a crouch, standing straight and shouting “Halt Evildoers, it I...Red Bug?” 

This indeed worked as planned, as every guard, goon and hostage set their eyes on the intruder.  The guards began pointing and laughing, “Good, they don't think I’m a threat” thought Jason. The guards underestimating Red Bug was what he needed, so that they would not find him threatening or harm anyone just yet. 

Marinette took this opportunity to transform into Lady Noire. She wasted no time and began with Cataclysm, bringing down all the cages and making her way to Jason’s position. Both Lady Noire and Red Bug began fighting the guards, buying the hostages time to make their escape. As the last person successfully escaped the gang hideout, both Lady Noire and Red Bug stood side by side.  More of them began to trickle in as they heard the commotion and began to surround the pair.

Marinette needed to think fast, she didn't have much time left after casting Cataclysm. She said to her partner, “Lucky Charm, Now!” Red Bug raised his eyebrow, “Lucky Charm?” he repeated. He suddenly felt the same compulsion as he did during the transformation, his arm suddenly shot upward with the yo-yo spinning. He looked up to see a swarm of ladybugs converge to form...a purse? Red Bug caught the purse with a look of disbelief, Lady Noire looked around the room for a plan to use the purse. Lady Noire got a burst of inspiration and turned around to tell her partner of her cunning plan, only to be greeted by thin air. She was brought out of her stupor hearing her partner yell out “LIGHTS OUT BITCH!”.  She whipped her head towards the source of the noise to see Red Bug beating the guards with the Ladybug-themed purse.  “I guess that works too” she said to nobody in particular. Knowing she had little time remaining as Lady Noire, she started running for the exit. Red Bug had no issue dealing with the remaining goons. Marinette hadn’t expected Jason to suit up with one of the Miraculous, not that she was complaining.  She had expected him to come charging in as the Red Hood, or maybe start by picking off the guards one-by-one.  She was surprised, but it wasn’t an unpleasant one, mostly.  Since leaving Chat Noir behind in Paris, the fight left her feeling oddly nostalgic.  Sometimes she missed fighting alongside a Miraculous user, though Tikki might have something to say about his...unusual use of a Lucky Charm.  She walked over to Jason’s parked motorcycle and waited. Within minutes Jason followed suit and walked out the front door of the hideout.  A swirl of green light surrounded him as he changed back, and Tikki zoomed over towards Marinette.  Tikki nuzzled against Marinette’s face for a moment, before Jason walked towards her.  He pulled his girlfriend into a big hug,  Marinette is left breathless for a moment as he nuzzles into her neck.   He didn’t say anything, but neither of them really needed to say anything at that moment. Touched by how much Jason cared for her, Marinette returned the hug. She stayed in that warm embrace for a long moment, before reaching up and gently patting him on the head.  “Let’s go home...Pixie Pop.” Jason pulled away at the mention of the nickname he gave her, and before she could react, Jason began pinching her cheeks. “What did you call me?” Jason jokingly interrogated, while Marinette giggled like an idiot. EXTRA: Jason is sitting next to Dick and Damian in the Wayne manor lounge with two ice packs on his thighs Jason:  I don’t know how you do it Dickie, my thighs were not meant to do that. Dick (covers Damian’s ears): Soooo did you and Marinette…. Jason:  I literally beat up some guys with a purse today, don’t push me.

[fullmetalscullyy]

day 11 - snow

24 days - 24 oneshots | a collection of christmas themed oneshots to celebrate royai | prompt list can be found here

read on ao3

rated: g | words: 832

“Riza!”

She was startled awake by an urgent hiss right by her ear. Riza jumped in fright after rolling over in her bed. Seeing a dark figure looking over her made Riza lash out, causing her fist to contact something hard and warm.

“Ow!” Roy exclaimed suddenly and unexpectedly.

She cringed at the volume of his pained cry as well as the fact she’d struck him. Roy rubbed his forearm as his face screwed up in pain.

“Sorry!” Riza threw the sheet off her body and shivered as the freezing morning air washed over her.

“No, it’s okay! Look!”

Before she could ask him if he was all right Roy grabbed her hand tightly. Riza blinked down at their joined hands while Roy tugged her over to the window.

“Look!”

Still trying to waken up, Riza blinked tiredly out at the world before them. There was a blanket of white snow over everything. Even the pines trees had snow caught in their branches. Tiny footprints from birds were dotted about in the snow, and there was a human set of prints too. Whoever it was had walked halfway down the garden at the front of her house before they turned back.

The first snow of winter was always an exciting time and Riza did love it. She smiled down at the expanse of white, glad it had finally come.

“It’s been snowing,” Riza commented, wondering what it was that she was supposed to be looking at.

“Yes! It has!” Roy’s eyes twinkled in the dawn light.

Glancing down at her companion’s feet, she noticed the thick boots he was wearing as well as the melted snow that clung to them, desperate to hang on.

“Have you been out in it already?”

“Yes!” He sounded so excited as he gaped down at it, in awe of how much there was. “Isn’t it amazing?”

“It is,” Riza agreed.

He noticed Riza didn’t exactly hold the same amount of elation as he did. Turning to face her fully, he cocked his head at her.

“Do you not get excited over snow?”

“I like the snow,” she replied defensively. She retracted her hand back to her side, just then realising that Roy had still been holding onto it. Riza hoped the room was dark enough that he wouldn’t see the light blush on her cheeks. “It’s nice to know the winter season has started.”

“Do you get this much snow every year?”

Riza nodded. “I think we’ll get even more,” she added.

Roy’s eyes jerked up to look at her.

“Sometimes it gets really bad and there’s blizzards.”

“Blizzards,” Roy whispered to himself in fascination.

Realisation dawned on Riza very suddenly. “You don’t get snow like this in Central, do you?”

“Are you kidding? Of course not! This is awesome!” His grin was infectious as he shot it her way.

“Oh. Well…” Riza cleared her throat quietly as she thought it was wonderful to see him so excited about snow. “We’ll most definitely get more. I’m glad you got to experience it.”

“Wow…”

His eyes gazed down at the snow one final time. It gave Riza some time to study his profile. The corners of his mouth were lifted only slightly in his amazement, with his lips parted in wonder. His eyebrows were raised too, eyes wide as he stared out the window.

“Can we go outside and play in it?”

His question threw her off. “What?”

“Can we go outside? Right now? I want to build a snowman!”

“Oh –”

“It doesn’t have to be a snowman,” he back peddled as he noticed her hesitation. “It can be anything. My sisters were telling me about how they’ve made snow angels before! Can we make a snow angel?”

He was like an excited child, begging her to go out and play with him. Riza just stared back into his earnest eyes.

“Please, Riza?”

He wanted to go outside and have some fun in the snow. With her. Unable to resist his pleading or his owlish stare, she nodded despite her reluctance.

“Okay,” she agreed quietly.

The biggest and brightest smile lit up Roy’s face. It reached right to his eyes as he beamed.

“Great! I’ll see you outside when you’re ready!” Without another word he dashed out of her bedroom and left Riza stunned in his wake.

After she’d finally recovered and processed her surprise wake up call, movement outside the window caught Riza’s eye. Roy exited her home and ran into the snow and down the same path he’d followed before into the garden. He stopped moving as he glanced around with a grin on his face. Suddenly, he dropped to his knees and started packing snow into a tight ball.

His enjoyment was infectious, even from a distance, and Riza discovered anticipation and excitement were fluttering around inside her stomach. Grinning, she turned away from the window and hurried to put her warm winter clothing on so she could go outside and play too.

[mredwinsmith]

11 Famous Artists Who Paint with Acrylics

Andy Warhol to Thomas Hart Benton

When it comes to hype, nothing works better than bringing out the big names. Acrylics have some very big names behind them. Why? Well, for one, acrylics have a very interesting “secret life” that make them appealing to painters.

But acrylics were also a modern solution to painting that cutting edge artists craved. Brought to market in the 1940s, acrylics started out as house paints but their easy usability and quick drying time caught the eye of many modern painters.

Liquid Texture

In 1955, to meet the demand from artists, Permanent Pigments Company developed the first water-based acrylic gesso called Liquitex, named for what it was all about: liquid texture. A year later Liquitex put out the first water-based fluid acrylic paints, called Soft Body acrylics, which you can still reach for today at your local art shop.

Since then hundreds of thousands of artists have chosen acrylics as their painting medium, including so many iconic masters of modernism.

Sponsored by

200 Versions and Counting

Elegy to the Spanish Republic No. 110 by Robert Motherwell

Robert Motherwell’s Elegy to the Spanish Republic? The painting no one gets and we all had to study in art history class? Yup, acrylics…at least some of the 200 versions that he made on this theme. Talk about commitment.

He mixed his paints with graphite and charcoal for those signature shapes and startling blackness.

“I’d Rather Sink Than Call Brad for Help”

Drowning Girl by Roy Lichtenstein

Roy Lichtenstein, the man who brought comic book Ben-Day dots and pop culture drama to canvas? Yup, did it in acrylics, including his best known work, Drowning Girl.

  Fields of Color

When you start an art movement with acrylics, people take notice. Kenneth Noland was a leader in the Color Field movement, one of the most mesmerizing modern art trends of the 20th century. Noland spearheaded the Washington Color School movement that bubbled up in America’s capital city in the 1960s. His works usually focus on painted depictions of circles, chevrons, stripes or shaped canvases. The latter especially showcase Noland’s fixation with the power that the edge of a canvas has overall.

Beginning by Kenneth Noland

Colors Do the Twist

Zing 1 by Bridget Riley

Bridget Riley — yet another art movement maker — this time of Op Art — did it with acrylics. Riley’s geometric-shaped lines of paint produced wild optical effects. Zing 1 was one of Riley’s breakthrough paintings, in which she used vertical stripes to create (borderline) mind-bending horizontal bands of color.

Significant Stains

Canyon by Helen Frankenthaler, acrylic painting

Helen Frankenthaler made some very significant marks in her day. They came as drips and splatters. They came as stains and blots.

According to The Phillips Collection: “In 1963 she began using acrylic paint as opposed to turpentine-thinned oil, resulting in the expansion of form and the production of bolder, more saturated colors. Canyon (above) of 1965, painted in acrylic, exemplifies Frankenthaler’s paintings of the 1960s as it flows out from a boldly colored center, in this case red.”

Mixed Media Awe

Just opening his latest powerhouse exhibition at the Hirshhorn, Mark Bradford lives big at 6’7″ and paints that way too. He started out painting with cans of remainder paint sold for $1 at hardware stores and hasn’t altered from that course, simply adding dimension with layers upon layers of cut paper (construction paper, newspaper and photographs among others) along the way.

The Grace of Simple “Space”

An artist of subtlety, contemplation and harmony, Mark Rothko made the act of painting a mindful, meditative experience. Mixing oils, powdered pigments and acrylics, he created large scale canvases that brought grace to simple forms. He explored color exhaustively and the look and feel of his works is almost always conveyed through color and pattern.

No. 13 (White, Red on Yellow) by Mark Rothko

Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf

Late in his career Barnett Newman created paintings on a massive scale. He painted them in acrylics. The four works from his series Who’s Afraid of Red, Yellow and Blue are all well over life-size and were made with pure, unmixed primary colors.

Heartland Artist

The Bicyclers by Thomas Hart Benton

Thomas Hart Benton’s The Bicyclers is a tour de force from this American modernist. From the composition to the style, this painting indicates all that Benton would become famous for. Interesting to note in this context, he created several studies of this painting in oil and watercolor, but he decided to do the final version in acrylics.

  Poolside Paintings

A Bigger Splash by David Hockney

One of the most famous Brit Pop Artists, David Hockney painted several iconic California swimming pools — including his own — in acrylics. He started painting poolsides around the same time he came across acrylic paints in the 1960s. Their fast-drying ability (rather than the slow drying of oils) was most appropriate to the easy, breezy, clean and sunny landscapes that Hockney was depicting. A match made in California dreaming you could say.

Soupy Acrylics

Campbell’s Soup Cans by Andy Warhol

Andy Warhol’s Campbell’s Soup Cans, among others, were painted in acrylics. He is yet another example of a modern artist who found his modern medium in acrylics.

Maybe because they were easy to use? So that the artists could spend time building their legends and attending amazing parties (Andy, this means you!).

Maybe because they were fast and they were easy and the artists using them were modern, cutting edge and brand new as well?

Warhol, like all of the listed artists, craved newness because he was living in a new age. The modern 20th century defied historic precedence. Every artistic foray felt brand new. All eyes were looking forward into the ‘now’ and looking back simply wasn’t in the plans. Acrylics gave these artists a way forward into uncharted but exciting territory. The results, obviously, are well worth recognizing. 

  Do You Want to Join Them?

Hundreds of thousands of artists, both famous and unsung, have found that for their painting process, acrylics are the answer.

Now the next evolution of acrylics has arrived with Liquitex’s new cadmium-free colors, the world’s first non-cadmium acrylic paints with the same brightness, color strength and opacity as cadmium paint, offering artists a safer option in their practice.

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[fakefiends]

stuff i dont wanna lose in my notes

Spinning On That Dizzy Edge It's Friday, I'm in love. He needed to sleep. He needed a break because it was his own damn fault that he stayed up all night lurking on Roy's Instagram. He tried to sleep, but it only came in intervals of 5 minutes, leaving him dizzy as he had to get up to get ready for a soundcheck. He stayed quiet for the most part, taking a few hits out of a joint, thinking it'd make him hyper, but he was so wrong. "Adore..." "I don't think we're gonna wake her up.." "Just leave her alone, I got it." the voices from the other queens hovered above her didn't do much, she just listened with her face rested on her jacket. She fell asleep on the couch, Roy trying to gently wake her up as other queens resorted to yelling. "Aww, let Bianca take care of her baby." Violet joked, laughing softly. "Shut up." --------------- ########### Danny woke up with a headache from the heat, curled up on an uncomfortable couch. His panic then arose as he realized everyone was already half-ready, he was still a boy, with his cheeks flushed and hair messed up and sweaty. "The Sleeping Beauty's awake!" Jinkx announced, looking over at a confused, tired Danny. "Thanks." he said dryly, sitting up and wincing, holding his head and sighing, "What time is it?" "Like... 6? The show starts in 2 hours." Courtney mumble-answered, trying to get her nose contour right. "Oh." He got himself together and got his makeup bags from the corner where they were brought in with everyone else's drag from the bus, sitting himself down and playing some music from his speaker to get himself alive. Starting his makeup, he downed two Red Bulls waiting for the powder to set. ------------- %%%%%%%% 8:00. Showtime. It didn't take long for Adore to get her outfit together, besides the tights and everything. Expensive, cheap-looking dress, a leather jacket, long, wavy black wig with cat ears. Better than clipping together a costume. She heard Bianca hosting on stage, a smile creeping its way onto her face as she smoked, 'Friday I'm In Love' playing so she could get her voice together before her performance. - what is the utmost upsetting, and disappointing realization i have had in all years of life, is that the human race will not learn. we learn from past yet do not look forward whenever there is an approaching red light to simply stop, and analyze. look forward, know your people, know what the options are, and what will happen for each. chances taken with thought and are easily explained are better taken than chances that are impulsive and the only thing you can say to them is, "because that's how it is." i am just now growing, my mind is changing and i now understand that as you become an adult, you somehow become the clueless toddler that asks questions such as, "why is the sky blue?" im dumb as hell - I should have left you The moment I saw that stupid smile. Adore felt like she was in the clouds as she felt the other queen's lips against hers. Courtney's touch was gentle, comforting, treating her like fine china as her lips slowly meshed against Adore's. Soon she pulled away, laughing softly and stroking the taller girl's cheek as she was left breathless in her tipsy state. Adore glanced down at her, flustered under all of her makeup. "M-More.." she whispered, a lazy smile drawn on her lips, and Courtney pulled her out of the small bathroom and to an unoccupied room, in the midst of a loud party. I'm deluded to stay, dress rolled up by my waist But you had me at 'goodbye'. Adore again, catching her breath with the queen inbetween her legs, arms around her neck as her black dress was pushed up and out of their way. It was hot, not at all sober.. again, and controlled. Too controlled but the taller queen couldn't help but submit to the blonde's small touches and kisses to drive her crazy. The next morning was a guilty, dirty feeling. A feeling of disgust and regret, yet Danny knew that by the time the night rolled back that he'd be in the same exact position. Sent texts at 6:25 AM saying 'I'm sorry.' and, 'I hope this doesn't change us as friends' still couldn't erase the anxiety slowly building up in him. But that was Courtney. ABC. His best friend and the thought of not having her there sent an even worse chill and an even deeper feeling in his stomach. I hate you every time I fuck you But I close the door Cause I'm young and insecure I loved you, what am I supposed to do? It's all we're good for. Danny couldn't bring himself to climb out of bed the day of an interview with Courtney. Even with Bianca's gentle reassurances and strokes of his cheek to make him feel better, he stuck with the sick excuse and while they were gone, he just got on his laptop and tried to empty his brain with poetry coming out in caps and typos and frantic fingers onto the keys with the same thought in his head. I am disgusting, you are my friend, and we are not one. You don't know me when I'm not high Boy you're only as good as the hole in my skirt And the bruises on my thigh. mmmm Twas bad - Slouching Toward Nirvana, Part 1 (Biadore) Things weren't the best with Danny. He had the best house on the block, yet it was only occupied by one boy. Well, and a few ghosts. Writing was his only hobby at this point, playing a few scratchy chords on his new guitar, not sure of anything. He became a hermit, his only friend becoming beer, weed and his favorite shirt, the word 'sad' always coming up in the lyrics he scrawled down. That's what he was. Just a sad, sad boy. He'd occasionally go out for even more drinks with John, but the days that passed during his break only included weed, beer, and well.. his favorite shirt. He wasn't necessarily sad now, just content, and looking back and bringing back feelings he would've never dared gone back to just to write the songs, making his mood very solemn. Distract and sedate, everything is okay. Problem was, he knew that. He had a lot of time to just sit back and think. Sometimes that isn't the best thing, so he just turned to social media sites, making his feelings turn into little song teases, and gifs, just to keep his followers on their feet. All of them usually just tweeted him if he was okay, since he wasn't getting out, and just drinking, and they weren't wrong, but he'd just tell them he was fine, and he was just relaxing. One night, in Danny's very silent bedroom, he'd drained himself completely. Hit after hit on his joint, he just stared up to the ceiling. Recharging. He'd thought a lot about tours he's been on, all of the guys he'd become attached to, all too fast. That can drain him quick. To break the peaceful thoughts of the boy, his phone had gone off with a text message, startling him a bit. He didn't get many texts anymore, since they all knew he was just slaving away to his boy music, focusing. But once he sighed deeply and set the lit joint onto the ash tray carefully, he sat up and grabbed the phone, squinting and turning down the brightness immediately. It was Bianca. That contact name showing up on his lockscreen was enough to make him crack a smile, before he read the text leading up to it. Are you awake? But he knew the other man's intentions were to get him to the energetic, jolly state the boy was usually in, so he just set the phone down, and rested on his back again. He wanted to reply, and he felt bad leaving him on read, but he couldn't bare having the same repeated conversations of, "Are you okay?" Yes. "..But are you really?" It was a lot of contemplating, but he mustered up the confidence to hold up the phone, and type back a casual 'Yeah, what's up?' and maybe a few emojis. Bianca had the three little dots appearing at the bottom of the text thread almost immediately, and Danny swore this was the only time in his entire life he'd not been looking forward to talking to the queen. Just checking in. I'm going to be in LA for the tour this Wednesday, flying in tomorrow. Danny wasn't expecting this at all, and his mood had almost completely changed. Wait for it.... Do you wanna hang out? Fuck yeah. Danny smiled brightly, quickly typing out a response. 'Of course! What time?' he added a heart emoji to that, incredibly estatic that his favorite person in the whole world was going to visit him again, after months of only texts, he'd get the hug he only dreamed of. Their conversation continued until Danny fell asleep with his phone by his face, his joint finished, and his face becoming peaceful. He dreamed of bliss. - Mmm Twas Bad